WDI R&D Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer 2025

About the Role & Program
As part of The Walt Disney Company, Disney Research builds upon a rich legacy of innovation and technology leadership in the entertainment industry that continues to this day. In robotics, we create novel systems with the goal of deploying them in front of millions of guests. Our current project incorporates motion capture technology, highly dynamic robotic motion, and unconventional modeling and linkage design challenges. Our work environment is fast-paced and prototype-driven: we are constantly looking for the thing we can build that will give us the most insight into our biggest unknowns.
What You Will Do
Mechanical Engineering Intern to work with a dynamic Technical and Creative team delivering high feudality robotic characters. Intern needs to have a working knowledge of Solid Works and 3D printing with a focus on building quick prototypes for testing and validation. Also, the intern should have knowledge on the fabrication process. Good problem-solving skills and people and team skills are favorable.

• Help design, prototype and test and improve on a system that incorporates high frame rate motion capture data and intelligent modeling to control a highly dynamic robotic performance

• Assist in designing and creating incremental prototypes

• Understand and engage with the broad technical and creative goals of the project

• Help define milestones that solve important technical issues and convey the potential impact of the project

• Engage in team brainstorms and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Mechanical design and simulation ability, including CAD and Matlab/Simulink or similar '
• A working knowledge of electromechanical design and build.
• Mechanical fabrication ability, familiarity with shop tools
• Previous experience with modeling and/or controlling dynamic systems
• Experience in robotics and rapid prototyping

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical system design skills

• Experience with designing and simulating compliant linkages and underactuated systems

• Surface modeling and design

• Developing procedural CAD process

Education
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher in an accredited college/university, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or comparable field of study.
Eligibility Requirements & Program Information
Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program OR must have graduated from a college/university within 6 months at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.
• Possess unrestricted work authorization
• Provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Glendale, CA area
• Have reliable transportation to/from work

Additional Information

• This internship is located in Glendale, CA
• The approximate dates of this internship are May/June through August/September 2025

The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA is $40 per hour. 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.