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Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ashby

Design Engineer - Americas

Chicago, IL · Remote

You have 2+ years of continuous experience (e.g., internships don't count) as an Engineer or a Designer. You have good proficiency in both Design and Engineering, with exceptional proficiency in the ...

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Internship or co-op experience in civil design or construction projects. * Knowledge of local, state, and federal engineering standards and permitting processes. * Engineer-In-Training (EIT ...

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL

$33 - $48/hr

Internship or co-op experience in civil design or construction projects. * Knowledge of local, state, and federal engineering standards and permitting processes. * Engineer-In-Training (EIT ...

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Internship or co-op experience in civil design or construction projects. * Knowledge of local, state, and federal engineering standards and permitting processes. * Engineer-In-Training (EIT ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Project Engineer internship experience or related internship. * Field experience desirable ... No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does. * We work on ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Internship JobsDesign Engineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Engineer Internship information

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How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for design engineer internship in Chicago, IL is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer internship?

A Design Engineer Internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in engineering design. Interns work under the supervision of experienced engineers to assist with designing products, systems, or components using tools like CAD software. They may participate in brainstorming sessions, draft technical drawings, and help test prototypes. This internship helps develop technical skills, real-world problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the engineering design process.

What do design engineer interns do?

As a Design Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects such as creating CAD models, assisting with prototype development, and supporting design validation tests. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to real-world engineering challenges and iterative design processes. You may also participate in team meetings, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and help document design changes, providing valuable insights into the full product development lifecycle. This role offers a great opportunity to build technical skills, learn industry-standard tools, and understand how engineering teams function in a professional setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer intern?

To thrive as a Design Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, CAD software proficiency, and coursework or a degree track in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software is often required, and experience with prototyping or 3D printing is a plus. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in collaborative design environments. These competencies enable interns to contribute meaningfully to projects, adapt to technical challenges, and support the innovation process within engineering teams.

What is the difference between Design Engineer Internship vs Design Engineer?

AspectDesign Engineer InternshipDesign Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree (e.g., Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering)Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or related field, with some roles requiring professional licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in engineering firms, manufacturing, or construction companiesFull-time professional roles in design departments, engineering firms, or manufacturing companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employees; common in engineering and manufacturing sectorsEstablished engineering roles involved in designing products, systems, or structures across various industries

The main difference is that a Design Engineer Internship is a temporary, training-focused position for students or recent graduates, while a Design Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing engineering solutions. Internships provide hands-on experience, whereas full-time roles involve ongoing project responsibilities and career development.

Is a design engineer internship in high demand?

Design engineer internships are generally in high demand as companies seek skilled interns to support product development and engineering projects. Candidates with proficiency in CAD software, engineering principles, and relevant technical skills are often preferred, making these internships competitive but valuable for gaining industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer Internship jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Design Engineer Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Engineer Internship jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Engineer Internship job openings:

Design Engineer Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,460 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Design Engineer

Filtration Group Corp

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Filtration Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced filtration systems for automotive powertrain applications.
In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through production launch.
You will be responsible for all phases of product development, be the primary technical liaison to the customer, and perform technical project management duties.
You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran quality and manufacturing standards.
In this role, you will gain a broad view of the automotive industry, working closely with cross-functional teams including the test lab, quality, manufacturing, sales, and sourcing departments.
Responsibilities
Design & Development
  • Design innovative filtration products using Creo, adhering to Filtran standards and modeling best practices.
  • Generate 3D CAD models, drawings, and APQP documentation.
  • Ensure manufacturability, performance, and cost-optimization through DFMA and FEA/CFD simulations and test results.
  • Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience, training, and collaboration.

Project & Technical Leadership
  • Lead technical discussions in weekly customer meetings.
  • Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings to track technical open items.
  • Collaborate with program managers and internal stakeholders to meet project milestones and deliverables.

Product Testing & Validation
  • Develop validation plans and submit testing requests to the Filtran internal test lab.
  • Coordinate test fixture design and validation activities based on customer and internal standards.
  • Utilize knowledge of industry-specific testing standards and validation procedures.

Engineering Support
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings, bills of materials, failure mode and effects analyses, and engineering change orders.
  • Support design changes, cost-reduction efforts, and technical reviews.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to new product innovation and existing product enhancements.
  • Participate in IP generation, competitive benchmarking, and R&D initiatives.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Previous product design experience (professional and/or internship).
  • Proficient in Creo with knowledge of modeling best practices, and experience optimizing designs based on simulation and/or test results. Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus
  • Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering and testing specifications.
  • Familiarity with automotive quality standards and processes.
  • Hands-on experience working with cross-functional teams, group facilitation, and problem-solving.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Fluent in English, including excellent communication skills (listening, written, verbal, and presentation).

Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering.
  • 2-3 years of project engineering and/or R&D experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, preferably with hydraulic or filtration products.
  • Direct customer interaction experience.
  • Experience modelling production-ready injection molded parts.
  • Proficient conducting and/or utilizing FEA and CFD in the design process.
  • Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software (SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Creo Simulate, etc.).
  • Experience with high volume production (100,000 to 1,000,000 units/year), preferably injection molding of engineered resins, steel stampings, and/or filtration components.
  • Proficient with MS Project and/or similar project tracking tools.
  • Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
  • Experience as a US patent inventor or in novel product development.
  • Ability to converse in additional languages (German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, etc.)

Compensation / Benefits
  • Salary Range - $85,000 - $96,000 (DOE).
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Programs.
  • 401K with company matching.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Inclusive culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Primarily office-based and requires the ability to travel independently (less than 10%) to customer or supplier locations as project needs arise.
  • Requires the ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods to complete engineering and documentation tasks.
  • Occasionally it is necessary to walk through the production facility to observe machinery, equipment, and manufacturing operations.

Why Join Filtran?
Filtran is a global leader in filtration technology for the automotive industry. We are committed to quality, innovation, and delivering outstanding engineered solutions. At Filtran, you'll work with talented engineers across the globe and contribute to the next generation of filtration systems that keep vehicles performing at their best.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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