WDI Design and Engineering Operations Intern, Summer/Fall 2026

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. 

Are you ready to apply your proven business management skills and experience to support the business of design? This is a phenomenal opportunity to be part of the team that creates the next exciting phase of growth at Disney! 

The approximate date of this internship is June to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA. 

What You Will Do 

The WDI Design & Engineering Operations Intern will partner with project leaders to implement project and studio design strategies. The successful candidate will provide Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) project and studio leaders with financial and technical support that maximizes business outcomes. Responsibilities include collaborating and influencing a wide variety of stakeholders, including finance, project managers, architects, engineers, designers, planners, and producers – delivering plans and establishing best practices that achieve short- and long-term AD&E strategic goals. This internship is a hybrid role supporting design and engineering teams through business and operational analysis. 

• Support the development and maintenance of work plans for internal AD&E initiatives, helping track scope, milestones, resources, and spending. 

• Assist in translating high-level goals and project priorities into organized, actionable tasks that support efficient project execution. 

• Contribute to the preparation of status updates, presentation materials, and training resources related to AD&E transformation and improvement initiatives. 

• Participate in cross-disciplinary coordination efforts by tracking action items, design decisions, staffing needs, and follow-ups across teams. 

• Collaborate with design managers and functional managers to support alignment between resource plans and project needs. 

• Analyze historical project data and maintain Excel-based tracking and visualization tools to support planning, forecasting, and decision-making. 

• Assist in organizing, synthesizing, and summarizing technical and operational information for use in project reviews and leadership discussions. 

• Support change management and performance-tracking efforts (e.g., Earned Value–related data, scope changes, and impacts) through documentation and analysis. 

Required Qualifications & Skills 

• Demonstrated ability (through coursework, projects, or internships) to translate high-level goals or scope descriptions into organized, actionable work plans. 

• Working proficiency in Excel (e.g., formulas, basic financial analysis, structured tables). 

• Comfortable engaging with engineers and designers to understand technical context and project requirements. 

• Ability to explain financial or operational information in clear, non-financial language to technical audiences. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. 

• Collaborative team player able to build positive working relationships across disciplines, seniority levels, and working styles. 

• Curious and proactive learner with an interest in expanding knowledge beyond prior experience. 

• Comfortable working in a creative, fast-paced, and innovation-oriented environment. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information and support informed decision-making. 

• Positive attitude, dependable work ethic, and strong attention to detail. 

• Experience or interest in themed entertainment, architecture, engineering, or the built environment is a plus. 

Education 

Currently enrolled as a junior or higher pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Architecture, Construction Management, Business, Finance, or a related field with demonstrated exposure to both technical and business concepts. 

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  

• Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA