About the role
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.
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
Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:
- 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.
Pay Transparency & Benefits
- Pay Rate: $43.00 per hour in Burbank, CA.
- Benefits: 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.