Walt Disney Imagineering · 12 hours ago
WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Glendale, Summer 2026
Glendale, CA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$31/hr - $36/hr
Start in 2026 SummerWalt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks and attractions. The Ride Development Engineering intern will work within a Project Engineering team, responsible for mechanical design and development tasks on innovative ride platforms, focusing on learning and creative problem-solving.
Web DesignWeb Development
No H1B
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
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering is the design and development arm of The Walt Disney Company.
Founded in 1952
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Kyle Laughlin
Senior Vice President, R&D Technology and Engineering
Recent News
The Orlando Sentinel
2025-11-27
Company data provided by crunchbase