WDI Research & Development Intern - Creative Technologist, Summer 2026
Glendale, CA, USA
Internship
Onsite
$42/hr - $47/hr
Intern
The Walt Disney Company is a leader in creative development and technology, and they are seeking a Creative Technologist Intern for their WDI Research & Development team. This role involves designing and implementing technology-driven experiences to enhance guest interactions and requires collaboration with various teams to bring innovative ideas to life.
Responsibilities
Works with creative, design and engineering teams to design and execute experiences that come off the screen through concept, production, testing and deployment
Applies technology to tell stories and solve user problems across a range of platforms and devices
Informs the creative process by performing research and prototyping with the latest technologies
Identifies opportunities for innovative experiences driven by new tools and technical advances
Builds rapid prototypes, proof of concepts through production level code and hardware development
Participates in scoping and planning work
Presents and articulates experiences to internal stakeholders, internal audiences, and non-technical project participants
Rapidly produces interim deliverables (such as style guide components, technical specifications, prototypes, proofs of concept, etc.)
Participates in concept and ideation sessions
Develops innovative ways to tell stories and create user experiences
Conceptualizes user interactions and interfaces through iterative design process
Develops varying fidelity prototypes to demonstrate user interaction and interfaces (Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Modeling, Software Development, Crafting)
Incorporates user research and usability testing to iterate on solutions
Designs and develops custom software + hardware solutions
Develops previsualization and experiences using game engines (Unreal)
Develops real time generative graphics (Cinder/C++/OpenGL/WebGL/Metal)
Develops web technologies and tools (Javascript)
Develops firmware for integrated systems (Arduino)
Develops software for microcomputing platforms (Raspberry Pi, Edison, Jetson)
Develops native applications for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Communicates the product’s vision and articulate design decisions and trade-offs to partners and clients, both verbally and visually
Facilitates cross-functional collaboration across different areas
Qualification
Required
Participates in concept and ideation sessions
Develops innovative ways to tell stories and create user experiences
Conceptualizes user interactions and interfaces through iterative design process
Develops varying fidelity prototypes to demonstrate user interaction and interfaces (Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Modeling, Software Development, Crafting)
Incorporates user research and usability testing to iterate on solutions
Designs and develops custom software + hardware solutions
Develops previsualization and experiences using game engines (Unreal)
Develops real time generative graphics (Cinder/C++/OpenGL/WebGL/Metal)
Develops web technologies and tools (Javascript)
Develops firmware for integrated systems (Arduino)
Develops software for microcomputing platforms (Raspberry Pi, Edison, Jetson)
Develops native applications for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Implements computer vision and other sensing capabilities (OpenCV, External Sensor Integration)
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher, in an accredited college/university, earning a degree majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Management Information Systems, Information Technology or related field
Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization
Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship
Fully available from Monday through Friday for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week
Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship program in the Glendale, CA area
Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work
