ILM Immersive, Technical Artist Intern, Summer 2026

Job Summary:

About the Role & Program:

We’re pioneering the intersection of cinematic visual effects and interactive storytelling. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of real-time worlds, innovating at the crossroads where blockbuster VFX meet immersive experiences. We’re a collaborative community combining creativity and technical prowess in a highly engaging work environment. If you’re passionate about building the future of entertainment, we invite you to join us.

What You Will Do:

The Interactive team at ILM crafts premium, story-driven immersive entertainment for platforms including immersive cinema, VR, mixed reality, theme parks, and new media. As an Interactive Technical Art Intern, you'll blend fine art and technical expertise to help create high-fidelity experiences—contributing shaders, lighting effects, tools, and supporting the technical elements of real-time art asset creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with lighting and technical artists to develop, modify, and optimize tools and shaders for immersive media projects.

• Design and refine real-time lighting to enhance mood and storytelling.

• Partner with artists and engineers to develop character and prop assets using advanced shaders, textures, and lighting.

• Troubleshoot and resolve rendering or performance challenges in real-time environments.

• Ensure assets meet visual fidelity and performance requirements across platforms.

• Contribute to interactive elements within immersive environments.

• Organize and maintain project files, adhering to established protocols.

• Work closely with Art, Engineering, and Production teams to meet technical and artistic standards.

• Under supervision, participate in scripting tasks for:

  • Game design and tool creation

  • Unreal Engine 5 plugins and Blueprints

  • Python scripting

  • Shader programming (Niagara, Houdini)

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Training in traditional art (composition, drawing, color theory) and technical art (CG modeling, texturing, animation, VFX, lighting).

• Strong technical aptitude coupled with artistic decision-making.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Proven ability to work both independently and with teams, displaying a proactive, positive attitude.

• Effective time management and multitasking ability.

• Experience with game engines—Unreal Engine 5 preferred.

• Familiarity with version control systems (Perforce preferred).

• Ability to translate 2D concept art into accurate 3D models.

• Skilled in at least one 3D graphics application (Maya, 3ds Max).

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Broad CG generalist background with exposure to multiple game development disciplines.

• Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine 5, Perforce, Substance Designer/Painter, JIRA, Confluence, Niagara, Houdini.

• Scripting/programming skills (Python, C++, C#, Java, VEX, MEL).

• Experience with lighting and shader development.

• Understanding of SCRUM/Agile workflows.

• Passion for games and immersive media; interest or experience in VR/AR or VFX production pipelines.

Education:

• Junior or Senior year preferred

• Major or previous coursework in digital art, game design and development, animation, or a related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree 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.

• Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess unrestricted work authorization

The pay rate for this role in San Francisco is $22.50 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: