WDI Theme Lighting Design Intern, Spring 2027

1001 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 3,582,000 - 3,788,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing opportunities

Benefits package

Job summary

Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, CA seeks a WDI Theme Lighting Design Intern for Spring 2027, with opportunities in Orlando or Glendale. You will assist in design development and documentation across lighting projects, build fixture selection information, and contribute to illustrations and drawings.

Prerequisites include enrollment in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Theatrical Design or related field, portfolio review, and familiarity with Revit/AutoCAD/Adobe Suite.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in college/university pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Theatrical Design or related field.
• Portfolio review required for consideration.
• Strong knowledge of live entertainment and themed experiences.
• Ability to draft/draw by hand and interpret architectural drawings.
• Experience with design/fabrication of specialty items or fixtures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Theme Lighting design projects through development and documentation.
• Prepare fixture selection information and documentation.
• Produce illustrations, photographs, scaled images, research, and project documentation.
• Plot elevations, fixtures in scale, and read reflected ceiling plans and development plans.
• Assist with scope tracking and cost estimating for Theme Lighting projects.
• Support fixture procurement, vendor oversight, and shipping coordination.

Skills

Live entertainment knowledge

Fixture design experience

Communication

Organizational skills

Drafting by hand

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

SolidWorks

Rhino

Reading architectural drawings

Lighting fundamentals

Education

Industrial Design

Interior Design

Theatrical Design

Related field

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Inventor

Adobe Creative Suite

SolidWorks

Rhino

Job description

Job Posting Title: WDI Theme Lighting Design Intern, Spring 2027

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

• 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.

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
• 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, 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.

Job Posting Segment

Job Posting Segment: WDI Creative Development Job Posting Primary Business: Architecture & Design (WDI) Primary Job Posting Category: Creative Intern, Other Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Glendale, CA, USA Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code: USA - FL - Epcot - Main Building (WDI) Date Posted: 2026-08-24 Learn more about us.