Internship – Controls Engineering, Universal/Islands of Adventure (Fall 2026)

Universal Destinations & Experiences Internship Program:

  • Applications Close: March 13th, 2026, at 11:55PM ET. Submit your application as soon as possible – don’t delay!
  • Fall 2026 Program Dates: Approximately September 2026 – December 2026

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks including downtime recovery, troubleshooting, fault analysis, redesign projects, obsolete part migration, and the integration of control and mechanical hardware ensuring the seamless operation of Ride & Show systems across all attractions. On-call 24/7, carrying the Engineering Duty Phone on a rotational basis, and serving as the primary liaison for the Engineering department, addressing issues across disciplines to support Ride & Show and Operations. All work will adhere strictly to ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and comply with relevant codes, regulations, and standards such as AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, ensuring the highest levels of safety and compliance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Troubleshoots electromechanical systems while conducting fault identification and failure analysis to facilitate downtime recovery during the day-to-day operations of Universal Orlando (UO) parks.
  • Provides design solutions to improve operational reliability, show quality, and
    serviceability of equipment. Places an emphasized focus on improving system diagnostics, technical training of Ride & Show and Engineering Team Members, and Preventive Maintenance improvement.
  • Generates engineering documentation to validate design solutions that have been implemented by the engineer including but not limited to control system hardware analysis, firmware analysis, code comparison documentation, change bulletins, CAD drawing changes, and training procedures. Generates Acceptance Test Procedures to validate all system design changes in accordance with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) standards and procedures.
  • Utilizes project management skills to coordinate project efforts, assigned by Engineering management, with Operations and Ride & Show divisions to make effective use of the venue and Team Member resources to drive projects to completion.
  • Documents project status of assigned tasks to give regular and insightful updates to the appropriate attraction management, both operations and Ride & Show as well as Engineering Management. Maintains configuration management of controls hardware and software (drawings) documentation in accordance with Engineering’s guidelines and procedures for proper archiving and security.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • In pursuit of an Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degree at an Accredited Institution with current class standing of Sophomore or above.
  • Minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA is required.
  • A transcript is required upon application.
  • Experience with troubleshooting and problem-solving of electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems.
  • Experience communicating and collaborating with diverse teams to complete complex tasks.
  • Experience working in diverse teams to accomplish a common goal.
  • Experience communicating effectively across varying skill sets and knowledge bases to define tasks and project status.
  • Experience keeping detailed records through a project lifecycle from initiation to completion
  • Knowledge of a high-level programming language ("C", Visual Basic or JAVA).
  • Knowledge of electrical standards UL 508A, NFPA and NEC.
PREFERRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:
  • Preferred majors include: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering required, or related field preferred.
  • Knowledgeable in ASTM and F24 standards.
  • Experience in the design of safety-critical systems.
  • Experience with servo controls as applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromotive motion control systems.
  • "Hands-on" experience with PLC and automated control systems.
  • Experience with motor control centers, motor starters, and variable speed drives.
  • Knowledge of the generation of control system specifications, and acceptance test procedures.
  • Experience utilizing the following products and networks: · Programmable Logic Controllers & Programming Software: Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron and/or Pilz
  • Variable Frequency Drives: Rockwell Automation, ABB, Siemens, and/or Schneider Electric
  • Human Machine Interfaces: Standalone HMIs (PanelView, SIMATIC, and/or Comfort Panel) and SCADA Systems (FactoryTalk View Studio Suite, WinCC, ICONICS and/or Ignition)
  • Industrial Communication Networks: Ethernet I/P, EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O and/or MODBUS) · AC and DC motors and motor control systems.
Please note the following:
  • This internship will be an in-person experience, based in our Orlando offices.
  • Interns must be currently pursuing a degree at an accredited university, and must have a graduation date later than December 2026.
  • Universal Orlando does not provide housing. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation.
  • All of our internships are paid, and you may also qualify for housing financial assistance if applicable. The Recruiter will provide specific eligibility details.


Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.


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Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

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