WDI Figure Programming Intern, Spring 2027

The Walt Disney Company • Glendale, CA

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the creative force behind Disney's theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineers combine storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences. This internship is with the WDI Animation department, which handles design, engineering, manufacturing, finishing, installation, show programming, and animation to "create the illusion of life" within attractions. The department delivers high-quality, safe, and maintainable Audio-Animatronics figures to Disney theme parks.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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
• Python scripting
• Mel scripting
• C scripting
• C++ scripting
• Experience with Game Engines
• Experience with Materials

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree