WDI Show Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer/Fall 2025

Job ID 10110796 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 28, 2025

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Program

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

The approximate dates of this internship is May/June 2025 to January 2026 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

What You Will Do

We are looking for a Show Mechanical Engineering intern to join the team that helps to dream and create many of the magical moments that our guests enjoy! The Show Systems team is responsible for delivering world class Audio- Animatronic figures, show action equipment and special effects through their full lifecycle. We partner with various teams to help deliver quality products and our processes and tools help to take us from concept design to production and installation.

An intern with our department focuses on mechanical engineering tasks related to the creation of animatronic figures and show action equipment, where fantastic show, lifelike performance, durability, reliability and safety are a must. We are responsible for bringing the creative intent (look, feel & sound) of our stories into physical reality. The intern will support different phases of the engineering process from concept development through final design, production, test, installation and commissioning for a variety of theme park attractions. Our diverse needs call for many areas of specialization which allow for our engineers to learn and grow within the mechanical engineering realm. These areas include design engineering, machine design, mechanical analysis, advanced 3d modeling, 3d printing, production processes, material sciences and more. Candidates are not expected to have experience in each space but should be passionate about growing their skills in these areas as they relate to themed entertainment.

We are looking for candidates who are excited to solve hard problems and grow in the mechanical sciences in service to bring the Walt Disney Company’s stories to life! As an intern on the team, you will have an opportunity to:

Design mechanical components under the direction of others

Create models and drawings in Solidworks

Perform calculations for machine designs such as development of loads, stress analysis, and motor and component sizing

Provide production support for animated figures and show action equipment

Support test and commissioning of animated figures and show action equipment

Generate drawings and engineering reports to document engineering designs

Required Qualifications & Skills

Ability to perform basic engineering analysis and calculations

Possess a basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes

Experience with SolidWorks or equivalent 3d modeling tools

Availability to work various shifts commensurate with global project requirements (typically 8am – 5 pm)

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated/proven strong leadership, technical and interpersonal skills

Self-starter with demonstrated initiative - able to handle multiple tasks and priorities

Familiar with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is desired [ANSYS is preferred]

Familiar with mechanical system modeling tools [MATLAB or Simulink is preferred]

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an ABET accredited engineering program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Engineering Mechanics.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements: 

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.

Additional Information

Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work

Fully available for the duration of the internship

We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Orlando, FL is $30 / $35 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.