Ride Development Engineering Intern

Job Description

About the Job: Ride Development Engineering Intern at Walt Disney Imagineering

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.

This exciting internship opportunity is anticipated from May/June 2026 to August/September 2026 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

The Role: Ride Engineer

Ride Engineers build the most advanced systems that create magical and immersive attractions around the world. We work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment to develop unique experiences. The studio is comprised of Control (Software and Hardware) and Mechanical departments to accomplish that goal.

What You Will Do as a Ride Development Engineering Intern

As a Ride Development Engineering Intern, you will work within the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) studio that designs and develops rides providing memorable, moving experiences to Disney’s Guests worldwide. The intern may be involved in various project phases from concept to detailed design to testing. Although the Ride Development Engineering intern is responsible for various engineering activities, emphasis is placed on learning. Throughout the internship, you will be exposed to experts in various engineering disciplines and have the opportunity to:

• Be part of an engineering team involved in ride system development, prototyping, simulation, or testing for a specific attraction or development project.
• Provide mechanical analysis of components and systems.
• Assist in the design of mechanisms and machines.
• Perform CAD model manipulation and creation.
• Provide ride system interface information to other groups within Imagineering.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to understand and implement basic mechanical system design and their associated control system elements.
• Ability to understand and adapt general engineering principles.
• Ability to prepare technical documents and CAD drawings.
• Possess basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes.
• Proven understanding of SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Ability to perform basic calculations in: Statics & Dynamics, Kinematics, Strength of Material, and Energy.
• Hands-on experience building and testing mechanisms, machines, or vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of systems modeling, vibrations, and composites.
• Solid understanding of Matlab.

Education Requirements

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

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

• 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 program.

Additional Information

• Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work.
• Must be fully available for the duration of the internship.
• We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities. For more information, please refer to the provided link.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay rate for this role in Orlando is $31 per hour for undergraduate students and $36 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits