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

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 ...

... design through startup and construction. * Bachelor's degree in engineering. * 2 plus years of experience in Engineering (internships are eligible). * Strong communication and inter-personal skills ...

Coordinate design engineering activities for development of engineered deliverables working with ... Bachelor's degree in engineering. * 2 plus years of experience in Engineering (internships are ...

Engineer II Projects

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $92K/yr

... design through startup and construction. * Bachelor's degree in engineering. * 2 plus years of experience in Engineering (internships are eligible). * Strong communication and inter-personal skills ...

Engineer II Projects

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $92K/yr

Coordinate design engineering activities for development of engineered deliverables working with ... Bachelor's degree in engineering. * 2 plus years of experience in Engineering (internships are ...

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... Participating on an Agile Scrum team, collaborating across design, development, and testing

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... Participating on an Agile Scrum team, collaborating across design, development, and testing

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... Participating on an Agile Scrum team, collaborating across design, development, and testing

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$26

$39

How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

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 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Engineer Internship jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Engineer Internship job openings:
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.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Canadian National Railway rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 360 rated logistics


Job description

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

This position is posted as a grade 9.

Job Summary

The Engineer Bridge Design is responsible for creating designs and leading design projects assigned to consultants for bridges across CN's network in accordance with Company policies and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) guidelines. The position is considered a Professional Engineer technical role and requires self-sufficient competencies in structural engineering principles and mastery of Company policies as well as Bridges and Structures (B&S) management procedures.

Main Responsibilities Structures Design and Project Management

       Coordinate consultant design assignments

       Design railway bridges

       Prepare preliminary and detailed designs of highway and railway bridge structures in concrete, steel, and timber

       Provide costing information and resolve queries during bridge construction

       Prepare detailed cost estimates and project schedules for proposed railway projects so as to minimize costs and disruptions to railway operations

       Provide engineering support and training to staff members and to field forces during construction

       Prepare fabrication specifications and tender documents

       Manage and track-outsourced service contracts, reviews and processes outsourced services invoicing

Safety

       Verify and ensure compliance of work or actions prescribed in engineering drawings and specifications 

       Conduct in field and documentary audits of bridge inspection reports

       Participate in construction safety audits

Training and Development

       Participate in field visits to familiarize with CN Network and Bridges and Structures plant inventory in conjunction with field inspections, safety blitz, construction work blocks, or reconnaissance trips

       Assist with reviews of AREMA Manual of Practice development and revisions

       Assist in development of Junior Design Officers/ interns

       Ensure all Company required training is completed in a timely manner

       Ensure proper adherence to requirements for maintaining licensure as a Professional Engineer

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular work week from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and manage stress. The role requires minimal travel (5%) with overnight stays within the region and occasional work outside the normal working hours. The role is partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The incumbent must be available to work occasionally on weekends and be available for on-call response to critical incidents.

Requirements Experience

Structural Engineering Experience

       Minimum 3 years of General Engineering experience including 2 years in bridge design with a railway company, or engineering consulting firm or research facility (post graduation)

o   Experience with AREMA guidelines for railway structures and other North American structural design codes

Education/Certification/Designation

       Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

       Professional Engineer Licence (PE in the US and P.Eng in Canada)*

       Valid Driver's Licence

       Master's Degree in Civil Engineering*

       Specialization in Structural Engineering*

       Professional Structural Engineer (SE) Licence in Illinois*

       Capability to be certified in appropriate Railway Operating Rules US or Canada (United States Operating Rules (USOR) or Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR))

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

       Leads by example for the safety and security of all

       Considers ESG principles in all operations

       Collaborates with others and shares information

       Delegates and empowers others to create accountability

       Applies critical thinking

       Innovates

       Sets direction and inspires others

       Communicates with impact

       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

       Demonstrates agility and drives change

Technical Skills/Knowledge

       Knowledge of technical and engineering aspects of Railroad Bridges properties, behaviours, deficiencies and inspection procedures

       Knowledge of Bridge Structural Engineering, retaining structures, foundations

       Technical report writing skills

       General Microsoft computer skills in MathCad, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Access and Project*

       Proficiency with Auto Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) or Systems Applications and Products (SAP)

       Knowledge of Fall Protection*

*Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset




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