Walt Disney Animation Studios Lighting and Materials Intern, Summer 2027

Disney Entertainment; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Disney Entertainment in Burbank, CA invites applications for a Lighting & Materials Technology Intern. You will collaborate with Disney engineers to build tools, validate workflows, and contribute to the rendering pipeline used by artists.

The role emphasizes production-quality code, automation, and integration with Maya/Houdini-based pipelines. The program targets students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields who are enrolled in an accredited college/university and

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with Linux or macOS and Maya/Houdini or similar tools.
• Ability to rapidly ideate and test UI/UX concepts.
• Strong communication and problem-solving in a collaborative team.
• Passion for technology, animation, and storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy tools to diagnose material binding in production pipelines.
• Write production-quality code and participate in code reviews.
• Develop tools for artists to fit into studio workflows and viewport frameworks.
• Create automated validation checks and artist-facing feedback tools.
• Integrate solutions into existing production pipelines.

Skills

Python

C++

Linux

MacOS

Maya/Houdini

UI/UX concepts

Team collaboration

Animation tech

Education

College/university enrollment in CS/Software Eng/ML or related field

Tools

Maya

Houdini

USD

Job description

Job Requirements

About the Role & Team:

As a Walt Disney Animation Studios Technology Intern, you will have the unique opportunity to work directly with a Disney mentor while exploring all aspects of technology in relation to filmmaking. This immersive program offers hands‑on experience focused on individual craft and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Learn more about our filmmaking process here (https://www.disneyanimation.com/process/) .

Software Engineers on the Lighting and Materials team build the tools that artists use to define how objects look on screen — from surface materials and light placement to the full rendering pipeline that converts scene data into film frames. We work across industry-standard tools like Maya and Houdini, and develop against Universal Scene Description (USD), which is central to how our production pipeline is organized.

What You Will Do:

The goal of this internship as a Lighting & Materials intern is to design and deploy tools to diagnose material binding within production pipelines. Working alongside experienced engineers on a project that directly touches our artists' day‑to‑day workflows, you will write production‑quality code, participate in code reviews, and contribute to tools for Disney's next animated feature. This role also involves writing automated validation checks, designing artist‑facing feedback tools, and integrating your solutions directly into existing studio workflows and viewport frameworks.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.
• Familiarity with operating systems like Linux, MacOS or similar, as well as experience with software tools such as Maya, Houdini, or similar.
• Ability to rapidly ideate and test UI/UX design concepts and prototypes.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• A passion for technology, animation, and storytelling.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Code Assists (e.g., Github Copilot, ClaudeCode).
• Knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with USD, animation workflows, computer graphics, or media systems.
• A strong interest in contributing to the development of cutting‑edge tools and systems in an animation production environment.

Education:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college/university with a major in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• At the time of application, must 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 AND returning to school the semester/quarter following the internship OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

• 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
• Location: Burbank, CA
• Program Length: June 7, 2027 - August 27, 2027 (12 weeks)
• Fully available from M-F, PST for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week
• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Los Angeles, CA area
• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

Additional Information: This posting represents an expression of interest for various roles within Walt Disney Animation Studios' technical teams. By applying, you will be considered for multiple opportunities that match your skills and interests. At Walt Disney Animation Studios, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where all voices are valued. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and veterans, to apply.

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The pay rate for this role in Burbank, CA is $43.00 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.

This position is with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here. (https://www.disneycareers.com/en/ai-usage)

Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us/sections/32131060143380-Candidate-Disability-Accommodations-FAQs) . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help. (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us)

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.