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WDI R&D Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer 2025

Job ID 10116417 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Mar. 19, 2025
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Job Summary:

About the Role & Program

As part of The Walt Disney Company, Disney Research builds upon a rich legacy of innovation and technology leadership in the entertainment industry that continues to this day. In robotics, we create novel systems with the goal of deploying them in front of millions of guests. Our current project incorporates motion capture technology, highly dynamic robotic motion, and unconventional modeling and linkage design challenges. Our work environment is fast-paced and prototype-driven: we are constantly looking for the thing we can build that will give us the most insight into our biggest unknowns.

 

What You Will Do

Mechanical Engineering Intern to work with a dynamic Technical and Creative team delivering high feudality robotic characters. Intern needs to have a working knowledge of Solid Works and 3D printing with a focus on building quick prototypes for testing and validation. Also, the intern should have knowledge on the fabrication process. Good problem-solving skills and people and team skills are favorable. 

  • Help design, prototype and test and improve on a system that incorporates high frame rate motion capture data and intelligent modeling to control a highly dynamic robotic performance

  • Assist in designing and creating incremental prototypes

  • Understand and engage with the broad technical and creative goals of the project

  • Help define milestones that solve important technical issues and convey the potential impact of the project

  • Engage in team brainstorms and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Mechanical design and simulation ability, including CAD and Matlab/Simulink or similar '

  • A working knowledge of electromechanical design and build.  

  • Mechanical fabrication ability, familiarity with shop tools

  • Previous experience with modeling and/or controlling dynamic systems

  • Experience in robotics and rapid prototyping

 

Preferred Qualifications

  •  Electrical system design skills

  • Experience with designing and simulating compliant linkages and underactuated systems

  • Surface modeling and design

  • Developing procedural CAD process

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher in an accredited college/university, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or comparable field of study.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

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

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program OR must have graduated from a college/university within 6 months at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.

  • Possess unrestricted work authorization

  • Provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Glendale, CA area

  • Have reliable transportation to/from work

Additional Information

  • This internship is located in Glendale, CA

  • The approximate dates of this internship are May/June through August/September 2025


The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA is $40 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 WDI Research & Development, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

WDI Research & Development, 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

The Los Angeles County city is home to authentic Middle Eastern food, culture, and its very own “Walk of Fame.”

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