WDI Theme Lighting Design Intern, Spring 2027

Walt Disney Imagineering; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited housing opportunities

Benefits package

Job summary

Walt Disney Imagineering invites a Theme Lighting Design intern to contribute to lighting projects in Orlando, FL or Glendale, CA from January to June 2027. You will assist with design development, documentation, and fixture selection for immersive environments.

You will work with project leads, draft and produce documentation, coordinate procurement, and participate in on-site installations, gaining hands-on experience in live entertainment lighting.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in accredited college pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Theatrical Design or related field.
• Junior or higher standing in program.
• Portfolio link required on resume for full consideration.
• Must meet eligibility: enrolled, 18+, eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Support Theme Lighting design projects by assisting in project design development and technical documentation.
• Assist with preparation of fixture selection information and documentation.
• Provide design documentation via illustrations, photographs, scaled images, research and project notes.
• Plot elevations and read plotting RCs, elevations and area development plans.
• Assist with scope tracking and cost estimating process.
• Support fixture procurement, vendor oversight, and shipping coordination.

Skills

Live entertainment interest

Team collaboration

Hand drafting

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Reading architectural drawings

Education

Industrial Design student

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Inventor

Adobe Creative Suite

SolidWorks

Rhino

Job description

About The Role & Program

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.

About The Role & Program

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.

The approximate dates of this internship is January to June 2027 and will be located in Orlando, FL or Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

Theme Lighting brings the Disney difference to our Parks and Resorts. We design, document, and facilitate the production of Theme Lighting fixtures for various projects including theme park attractions, restaurants, shops, area development, and resorts.

We are looking for a Theme Lighting Design intern to assist the team with researching and identifying readily available items or fixtures, and design uniquely original custom pieces to meet specific project requirements. Interns working with project leads, provide drafting support, production/procurement support, shipping coordination as well as direct field installation at a project construction site. As an intern on the team you will have the opportunity to:

• Support various Theme Lighting design projects by assisting in project design development and technical documentation
• Assist with the preparation of Theme Lighting fixture selection information and documentation
• Provide design documentation in the form of illustrations, photographs, scaled images, research, and documentation on assigned projects
• Perform various basic technical tasks and documentation including plotting elevations, showing fixtures in scale, reading a plotting reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and area development plans
• Support the Theme Lighting project leads with scope tracking and cost estimating process
• Assist the Specialty Design Production team supporting fixture procurement, vendor oversight, and shipping coordination

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge and a strong curiosity about Live Entertainment and or/Theater, Themed Entertainment, and Immersive Experiences
• Experience in specialty item or fixture design and/or fabrication
• Self-starter with excellent communication skills with the ability to give and take direction, adapt to change, establish relationships, and work in a team environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to deliver under tight deadlines
• Ability to draft/draw by hand
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Inventor, Adobe Creative Suite, SolidWorks, Rhino, and organic modeling techniques
• Working knowledge and experience with reading and understanding architectural drawings and interfaces
• Understanding of the basic principles of Lighting to collaborate with Show Lighting counterparts

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a design practice, or a professional internship desirable with an emphasis on specialty items, fixture design, and/or fabrication.
• Familiarity with product or industrial design and construction techniques.
• Familiarity with related areas, including architecture, interior design facility lighting etc.

Materials Required

• A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Applications without a portfolio link on the resume will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position. Please visit our support site for additional information.

Education

• Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university, earning a degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Theatrical Design or 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
• Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
• We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida-Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA or Orlando, FL is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 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, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.