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Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Hooper's internship program consists of full-time work over the course of 12 weeks during the ... Pursuing a degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or a related construction design ...

Completion of an engineering internship or other professional employment providing experience in surveying, transportation design, Civil 3D Design, and/or construction observation All Foth Companies ...

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

Completion of an engineering internship or other professional employment providing experience in surveying, transportation design, Civil 3D Design, and/or construction observation All Foth Companies ...

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Design Engineer Internship information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for design engineer internship in Madison, WI is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Engineer Intern, and why are they important?

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 types of projects and responsibilities can a Design Engineer Intern expect during their internship?

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 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.

Is a design engineer in high demand?

Design engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace due to their skills in CAD software, problem-solving, and product development. The role often requires knowledge of engineering principles and proficiency with tools like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and employment prospects are generally strong with steady growth expected in engineering fields.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Engineer Internship jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Engineer Internship job openings:

Mechanical Design Engineer-Summer Internship

JOHNSON HEALTH TECH TRADING INC

Cottage Grove, WI

$17.75 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description


Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Innovation Product Manager, we are seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer Intern to support the development of innovative fitness equipment and training systems. This role provides hands-on experience in product design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support. The intern will collaborate with engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams to help design safe, durable, and ergonomic strength and conditioning equipment used by athletes, gyms, and consumers worldwide.


This internship offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle-from concept development and CAD modeling to prototyping, testing, and design validation.


Responsibilities:


Mechanical Design & Development

Assist in the design and development of strength training equipment, cardio machines, and accessory components.

Create and modify 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD tools.

Develop design concepts, perform tolerance analysis, and create parametric models for new and existing products.

Support design improvements focused on durability, safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.

Prototyping & Testing

Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing of new fitness equipment.

Assist with mechanical testing including load testing, fatigue testing, and safety verification.

Document test results and recommend design improvements based on findings.


Engineering Analysis

Perform basic engineering calculations related to loads, stress, motion, and structural performance.

Assist with finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to validate design concepts.

Support failure analysis and root cause investigations for product improvements.


Manufacturing Support

Work with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication and assembly.

Help create engineering drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and assembly documentation.

Support vendor communication and part sourcing when needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

 Collaborate with industrial design, marketing, and product management teams to meet product requirements.

Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions.

Provide documentation updates within engineering data management systems.


Marginal Job Functions:

Other projects as needed.

Requirements

Education:

Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar)


Experience:

Basic knowledge of mechanical design principles

Understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T fundamentals

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment

Strong communication and documentation skills


Benefits:

We offer an excellent compensation package and team-oriented work environment with growth opportunities. Some of our outstanding benefits include:

Health & Dental Insurance

Company paid Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off benefits

Product discounts

Wellness programs


 Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.