DreamWorks Animation 2026 Summer Internship Program

Job Overview

• Company: DreamWorks Animation (A Universal Film Segment)
• Role Title: Feature Technical Direction Intern
• Location: 1000 Flower St, Glendale, CA 91201, USA
• Work Model: Hybrid (4 Days On-site / 1 Day Remote starting Jan 2026)
• Job Type: Intern (Full-Time, 40 hours/week)
• Program Dates: June 8 – August 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT

DreamWorks Animation is looking for the next generation of adventurous dreamers, technical innovators, and digital architects to join our legacy of storytelling. We don’t just make movies; we build immersive new worlds where unconventional heroes prove that dreams really do come true. As a global leader in high-quality, award-winning animation, we thrive on a culture of transparency, trust, and frequent communication.

DreamWorks Animation are officially inviting applications for the Summer 2026 Feature Technical Direction Internship. This is a prestigious opportunity to step behind the curtain of a major Hollywood studio and contribute to the production pipeline that brings iconic characters to life. If you believe that “teamwork makes the dream work” and you have the coding chops to support world-class artists, your journey starts here in Glendale.

Compensation & Program Benefits

DreamWorks believes in investing in talent. While you contribute to our feature films, we provide an ecosystem designed to launch your professional career in animation and technology.

The Mission: Technical Direction in Feature Animation

As a Feature Technical Direction Intern, you aren’t just an observer; you are a vital part of the “tech-art” bridge. You will sit at the intersection of creativity and logic, helping to solve the complex puzzles that arise when hundreds of artists collaborate on a single film.

In this Internship Program role, you will assist our Technical Directors (TDs) in writing, testing, and deploying the tools that make high-end animation possible. From managing massive datasets to creating elegant UI for artist tools, your work ensures that our creative teams can focus on storytelling rather than technical bottlenecks.

Key Responsibilities

• Pipeline Development: Assist Technical Directors in writing and refining tools for the feature production pipeline.

• Software Craftsmanship: Develop new software applications designed to assist artists in large-scale productions.

• Systems Maintenance: Test, debug, and extend existing proprietary tools to ensure studio stability.

• Artist Support: Provide direct technical troubleshooting and support to production artists during active shot production.

• Data Wrangling: Support administrative tasks and data management to keep the production moving efficiently.

Who Are We Looking For? (Qualifications)

DreamWorks Animation value “non-traditional paths to success” and seek individuals who are growth-minded and passionate about the fandom of animation. Whether you are a Computer Science wizard or a Digital Media innovator, we want your unique perspective.

Basic Requirements

• Eligibility: Currently pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree, or a recent graduate (within six months of the program start).

• Age/Work Status: Must be 18+ and authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

• Technical Foundation: Demonstrated programming experience and a solid ability to work independently.

• Organizational Prowess: Strong organizational skills to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Location: Willingness to work on-site in Glendale, CA (4 days per week).

Desired “Dreamer” Qualifications

• Academic Major: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Visualization, or Digital Media.

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Python (the backbone of animation pipelines), C++, or JavaScript.

• Graphics Knowledge: A foundational understanding of computer graphics principles.

• DCC Familiarity: Exposure to industry-standard software like Maya, Houdini, and/or Nuke.

• DevOps Skills: A solid grasp of Git for revision control and experience with Jira for project tracking.

• Design Sensibility: Familiarity with UX/UI concepts to make tools intuitive for artists.

Industry Statistics: Diversity & Inclusion in Tech/Animation

At DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal, we believe that a diverse community creates the most compelling stories. We are committed to an inclusive culture that reflects the global audience we serve. To provide context on our industry’s ongoing journey toward equity, consider the following benchmarks from the broader tech and animation landscape (as of recent industry reports):

• Racial Diversity in Animation/Tech Roles:

  • White/Caucasian: ~55% – 62%

  • Asian/Asian American: ~18% – 24% (highly represented in technical and engineering roles)

  • Hispanic/Latino: ~8% – 12%

  • Black/African American: ~4% – 6% (a key area of focus for industry outreach and internships)

• Gender Representation: While animation production has reached near-parity in many creative roles, technical direction and software engineering roles in the industry currently hover around 25% – 30% female or non-binary representation. Programs like the DreamWorks Internship are active drivers in increasing these numbers.

• The “Fair Chance” Initiative: DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal strictly adhere to equal opportunity laws, ensuring that qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered in alignment with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Summary Checklist for Applicants

A Note on the Hybrid Model

Starting January 5, 2026, DreamWorks Animation is transitioning to a reinforced hybrid model. For interns, this means you will be expected to be in the Glendale office a minimum of four days per week. This ensures you have maximum face-time with mentors, access to our on-site artistic classes, and the chance to participate in our famous studio lunches.

How to Join the Fandom

If you are ready to shoot for the moon, prepare your application today. Ensure your resume highlights your technical projects, your GitHub contributions, and your specific interest in animation technology.