1

Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits identified below. Our pay ranges are determined by ... There is never a dull moment with us. /Preferred Qualifications Electrical Design Engineers 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

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer Internship information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for design engineer internship in Detroit, MI is $25.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $28.56 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 Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Design Engineer Internship jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Design Engineer Internship job openings:

Marine Powertrain Design Engineer

Ilmor Engineering

New Hudson, MI โ€ข On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

MARINE POWERTRAIN DESIGN ENGINEER
At Ilmor Engineering, innovation runs as deep as our passion for performance. Proudly named a Crain's Top 100 Places to Work, we pair world-class engineering with a collaborative culture where great ideas are encouraged, and excellence is expected. From championship-winning powertrain solutions to cutting-edge marine technology, our teams shape the future of high-performance engineering every day.
We're looking for a Marine Powertrain Design Engineer who's excited to turn bold concepts into production-ready reality. If you're energized by solving complex design challenges, thrive in a hands-on engineering environment, and want your work powering some of the the most powerful boats and fun family experiences the summer can offer, this is your moment to make waves.
Essential Job Functions (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):
  • Develop high-quality 3D models and 2D drawings of marine powertrain components using SolidWorks, ensuring accuracy, manufacturability, and adherence to engineering standards.
  • Support mechanical product design and development across the full product lifecycle, from early-stage concepts to production-ready components.
  • Evaluate and optimize design alternatives for performance, weight, packaging, quality, benchmarking, geometry creation, and functional requirements.
  • Apply detailed understanding of gasoline engine operation and associated subsystems, including:
  • Exhaust systems
  • Cooling systems (heat exchangers, cooling pumps)
  • Intake systems
  • Electrical and control systems
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of gearboxes/drive systems and their integration with the engine and powertrain.
  • Incorporate strong design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) principles into all work to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.
  • Generate creative, forward-thinking design concepts to support future product development and innovation initiatives.
  • Manage designs from concept through validation and successful production implementation, ensuring alignment with program timing and quality targets.
  • Collaborate closely with the Ilmor Manufacturing Team to transition designs into volume production, resolving issues and supporting production readiness.
  • Support product testing, validation, and launch activities, including documentation and engineering changes as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 1-3+ years of professional experience is highly desired.
  • NOTE: An exceptionally motivated recent college graduate with a Solidworks Certification and prior internship experience may also be considered.
  • Proven experience in mechanical design, preferably within powertrain or related mechanical systems
  • Demonstrated innovative spirit
  • Verifiable SolidWorks capabilities, Certification highly desirable
  • Self-motivated and accountable with strong problem-solving skills
  • Mechanical aptitude/capability
  • Proficient in Solidworks
  • Proficient in GD&T
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a team player mentality
  • Quality systems experience (ISO 9001)

Nuts & Bolts
  • FLSA: Exempt (Salaried)
  • Salary Range: $75,000+ based on experience
  • Medical, Dental, Vision: Eligible
  • 401K: 3% Safe Harbor Company Contribution
  • Profit Sharing Annual Bonus: Eligible
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability & Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • General Schedule: M-F 8am - 5pm
  • Paid Time Off
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.