WDI Research & Development Imagineer - Mechanical Design Engineer
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10146734 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 08, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Team:
Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible, by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion.
At Imagineering Research and Development, our mission is to use technology to build new experiences for our Guests and new tools for Imagineers and the Cast Members who power our parks. R&D is a team of engineers, designers, artists, and scientists who share a passion for solving hard problems and building ground-breaking experiences.
You will report to Executive R&D Imagineer, Creative Development.
Full-Time
This is a Full-Time role.
What You Will Do:
- Develop mechanical designs that meet functional requirements
- Design, protype, test and refine novel mechanical systems, with an ability to fabricate your own designs at a prototype level
- Test and iterate on proof-of-concept designs, evolving requirements and designs as the team learns
- Contribute to the culture and community of the WDI R&D Studio
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- 1-3+ years of professional experience in engineering field
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- Portfolio of projects through academic projects/research, internships and work experience that demonstrate a strong foundation in mechanical design
- CAD experience in SolidWorks, mastery of parts/assemblies/drawings
- Familiarity with FEA and GD&T
- Comfortable as a hands-on engineer
- Participate in peer design reviews
- Basic machine design principals
- Calculation of loads, moments, and forces
- Experience with 3D printing and associated CAD
- Embraces flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed
- Ability to work collaboratively with other technical and creative disciplines
- Thinks strategically and creatively to solve challenges
- Manages & prioritizes multiple assignments in a highly dynamic R&D environment
- Demonstrates a desire to constantly improve and adapt to new technologies
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Programming skills in Matlab, Simulink or Python
- Experience with systems involving motion and actuators
- Knowledge of basic metal fabrication tools and techniques
- CAD administration, configuration, standards and roll-out experience
- Industrial design experience, ability to pair aesthetic form with function
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes (plating, milling, turning, EDM, grinding
Education:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
Additional Information:
- Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $117,00-157,000 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The number of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the level and position offered.
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with WDI Research & Development, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
WDI Research & Development, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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.
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