WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Glendale, Summer 2026

Job Posting Title:

WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Glendale, Summer 2026

Req ID:

10136086

Job Description:

About the Role & Program  

Be a part of an innovative team and culture… 

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 date of this internship is May/June 2026 to August/September 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.    

At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that seem impossible, and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experience that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world.  

 

What You Will Do  

As a Ride Development Engineering intern, you have the opportunity to work within a Project Engineering team, and be responsible for a wide variety of mechanical design & development tasks on innovative ride platforms that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. Responsibilities may include conceptualizing, designing, analyzing, and/or testing of system components and features. Throughout the internship, a RDEI will be exposed to subject matter experts in a variety of engineering disciplines and experience a diverse environment where scope and requirements change frequently. While an intern is responsible for a variety of engineering activities, emphasis is always placed on learning. You will have the opportunity to:  

• 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 

 

Required Qualifications & Skills  

• Relevant engineering expertise (eg. machine design, kinematics, stress/strain, power train, materials) 

• Superior design sensibiliti