Walt Disney Imagineering · 5 hours ago
WDI Figure Programming Intern, Summer/Fall 2026
Glendale, CA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$26.50/hr - $27.50/hr
Start in 2026 SummerWalt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. As an intern, you will work within WDI Animation to assist in creating and coordinating digital assets for Audio-Animatronic figures and support the programming of special effects and animated props.
Web DesignWeb Development
No H1B
Responsibilities
Work closely with other Show Programmers to operate and maintain Animation & Show Programming system’s highly specialized hardware and software tools
Assist in creating, debugging, and coordinating Audio-Animatronic figures’ digital assets (character sheets, animation data, rigs, ride paths, shots, and/or models)
Build and review digital animation rigs
Provide pipeline and animation process support and asset integration to the Show Animators for the programming of Audio-Animatronics figures
Partner with the creative team and overall show programming team to program special effects, audio, animated props and show action equipment
Organize, secure and maintain show data created by the Animators and Show Programmers
Provide technical support for computer graphic animation programs (such as Maya and MotionBuilder)
Assist in developing or maintaining show programming tools
Learn proprietary software packages
Qualification
Required
Familiarity with creating and maintaining rigs for CG character animation
Ability to function in a dynamic work environment, managing multiple project tasks
Basic Knowledge of robotic animation, control systems, and mechanical systems
Ability to provide basic technical support for computer graphic animation applications
Ability to work with limited supervision but be able to integrate inputs from many individuals and work as a team member
High tolerance for change and changing requirements
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in traditional animation, computer animation, industrial automation control programming or related field
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
Desired software knowledge/familiarity among several of the following: Maya, MotionBuilder, Z-Brush, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premier, After Effects (or similar video editing software), Solid Works, Tait Navigator, Shotgun, Rhino, Unreal/Unity
Desired scripting knowledge: Python, Mel, C, C++
Experience with Game Engines
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
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