Job Posting Title:

WDI Research & Development Intern-Mechanical Engineer

Req ID:

10143523

Job Description:

About Our Progam & the Role

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research arm of The Walt Disney Company’s (TWDC) Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, the talented corps of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects.

What we're looking for…

A mechanical engineering intern to support a robotics-focused data characterization effort within our R&D department. The intern will be primarily involved in collecting, organizing, and analyzing mechanical and dynamic performance data from robotic components and subsystems. This includes measuring physical properties, running controlled tests, processing datasets, and supporting experiments that improve our understanding of system behavior. The ideal candidate is analytically minded, detail‑oriented, and excited about uncovering insights that advance robotic system performance.

What You Will Do

You will…

Conduct hands‑on data collection of mechanical, dynamic, and material properties of robotic components

Set up, operate, and refine test rigs for characterization experiments

Analyze test data using tools such as Python

Support development of test plans to evaluate system performance and reliability

Work with engineers across disciplines to interpret results and propose next steps

Document measurement procedures, datasets, and analysis conclusions with clarity and rigor

Required Qualifications & Skills

What you bring to the role…

Understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, materials, measurement techniques)

Experience with data analysis tools such as Python (NumPy, pandas, matplotlib)

Familiarity with setting up mechanical tests, instrumentation, or lab equipment

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and improve experimental methods

Ability to work independently and collaborate in a cross‑functional engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Previous experience with robotics testing, mechanical characterization, or lab‑based research

Experience with CAD for understanding component geometry (minimal design emphasis)

Hands‑on experience with prototyping or assembling test fixtures

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher, from an accredited college/university, earning a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

• 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 Disney College Program

Additional Information

• Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship

• Fully available from Monday through Friday for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week

• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program​ in the Glendale, CA area

• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work​

The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA is $42 per hour for undergraduate and $47 per house for graduate. 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI R&D and Tech Studio

Job Posting Primary Business:

R&D and Tech Studio (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Technology Intern

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-02-27