The Walt Disney Company · 12 hours ago
WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, CA, Summer 2026
The Walt Disney Company is a leader in the entertainment industry, known for its innovative theme parks and attractions. They are seeking a Ride Development Engineering Intern to join their Project Engineering team, where the intern will be responsible for mechanical design and development tasks for innovative ride platforms, while learning from subject matter experts in various engineering disciplines.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Creatively apply engineering principals to assist in the design of a wide variety of innovative ride platforms, components, & related equipment for unique (and fun) life safety systems
Work with teams to distill technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions & artwork
Conceive and implement elegant solutions to complex design challenges
“Clean sheet” concept design of ride components that meet creative intent and requirements
Implement proof of concept prototype & mock ups: design/fabricate/test
Assist with development of scope, inspection, testing, and report documents
Digital model and drawing development and release
Assist with installation, field support, testing, and standards development
Explore and evaluate new and emerging technologies for practical use
Qualification
Required
Relevant engineering expertise (eg. machine design, kinematics, stress/strain, power train, materials)
Superior design sensibilities and creative problem solving
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audience
Work collaboratively within a large and diverse team environment
Highly dependable, strong work ethic, with excellent time management skills
Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills
Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community
Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment
Familiarity with design tools (eg. SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab)
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a BS or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent degree
Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization
Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program
Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
Must be fully available for the duration of the internship
Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
Preferred
Experience with life safety design/requirements
Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products
Hands on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation
Proactive, self-sufficient and able to work and add value with minimal oversight
Attention to detail, Optimism and Enthusiasm, Perseverance and grit
Benefits
Medical
Financial
Other benefits
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Recent News
2026-01-20
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