WDI Prototype Technician Intern, Summer 2026
About The Position
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 June 2026 to August 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA. As a Prototype Technician Intern, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience supporting the operations at the WDI campus in Glendale, CA. This role involves assisting with the staging, mock-ups, and delivery of WDI project components within the Show Studio under Project Services. You will have the opportunity to observe and support efforts to meet quality, schedule, and budget expectations while helping develop practical representations of creative show and effects concepts for theme park attractions. What You Will Do In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the setup and strike of all WDI mock-ups, applying safe and effective rigging and staging practices, and operating essential equipment in accordance with Disney and industry safety standards. You will also learn to support the technologies used in mock-ups, including system initialization, operation, shutdown, and disassembly, while ensuring equipment is properly managed and returned to Project Services inventory. This role is significant as it provides exposure across multiple WDI disciplines and coordination with various internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role requires curiosity, willingness to learn, and basic technical skills.
Requirements
- Proficiency with MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project)
- Knowledge and familiarity with audio, lighting, video, and staging for theatrical setups
- Ability to operate in a collaborative team environment
- Highly organized with the ability to multitask and remain organized under time pressure
- Ability to read architectural, set, and technical drawings
- Ability to operate and work off lifts, ladders, and catwalks
- Basic skills in technical systems setup and operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new skills and technologies
- Valid Driver’s License required
- Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in Technical Theater, Industrial Design, or related field
- 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
- Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
- Must be fully available for the duration of the internship
- Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
Nice To Haves
- Shop safety training, carpentry, and machine experience
- Familiarity with 3D design software such as ACAD, Viso, Sketchup, or SolidWorks
- Experience with 3D printing
- Experience with A/V equipment
Responsibilities
- Assist with technical systems setup, operation, and maintenance
- Perform basic theatrical support, including audio, lighting, video, and staging
- Troubleshoot technical issues as they arise
- Support temporary power distribution and mockup area setup/maintenance
- Fabricate and integrate special effects between high and low-tech systems
- Enforce safety practices, including electrical safety, overhead rigging, and fall protection
- Maintain and repair stock inventory of tools and equipment
- Support set-up/installation efforts for project mockups, presentations, and field installations
- Manage the movement of heavy materials during shipping, receiving, and storage
- Interact with outside vendors and providers for equipment and services support
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
