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Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$91K - $132K/yr

Join us and design your place with Stantec. Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the ... Industry-specific co-op/Internship experience preferred. * EIT / FE certification preferred * Must ...

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Design Engineer Internship information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$28

$44

How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for design engineer internship in Seattle, WA is $28.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $32.84 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Design Engineer Internship jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Design Engineer Internship job openings:

Civil Engineering Internship

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Seattle, WA

Full-time, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description

KPFF Special Projects Group

Since 1996, KPFF's Special Projects Group has been at the forefront of addressing specialized challenges in project development. With over 150+ team members in three offices strategically located in Long Beach, CA, Tacoma, WA, and Seattle, WA, our approach combines dedicated project managers, a skilled technical team, and a commitment to innovation. We offer a comprehensive range of services including civil, structural, and mechanical engineering, machinery design, construction and project management, and planning services.

We specialize in the management and design of heavy civil, structural, industrial, and waterfront infrastructure projects across the United States. Our team thrives on solving unique, multi-disciplinary challenges, collaborating closely with clients such as the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Tacoma, and Seattle, as well as various municipalities and government agencies.

Join us at KPFF Special Projects Group and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in project delivery.

Job Description

The Special Projects Group of KPFF is growing and looking for an ambitious and initiative-driven Junior or Senior level Civil Engineering student for a summer internship in the Seattle Office of our Special Projects Group. The Civil Engineering Summer Internship being offered is approximately 40 hours a week for up to 90 days depending on candidate’s availability. Job responsibilities will vary depending on the project and individual intern. Our work leans toward civil, design-build transportation, structural, industrial and waterfront infrastructure throughout the US with a focus on the West Coast and Pacific Northwest regions.  We frequently function as prime consultants and are tasked with solving unusual, multi-discipline challenges that require an innovative and team-oriented approach.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Learning and applying civil design skills to make a difference
  • Assist civil engineers with various tasks associated with project design, including calculations, plan production and review, and cost estimating.
  • Support engineers on meaningful projects where you’ll see your impact, from supporting design of stormwater systems, water systems, and habitat restorations that impact and protect the Puget Sound.
  • Exposure to different modeling software (InfoWater, EPA SWMM, WWHM, etc).
  • Collaborate with multiple engineers across disciplines on innovative projects including port facilities, fisheries habitat restoration, small boat harbors, marinas, and railway infrastructure.
  • Assist with project site visits. The applicant may be required to navigate through a jobsite and must comply with all Company and Site safety requirements in the office and on the jobsite. 
  •  Involved in our amazing internship program where you’ll meet with other interns, attend weekly technical trainings, weekly site visits, and other events to meet other KPFF staff. 

Example of Projects:

  • Ports, harbors and light industrial related projects on the waterfront for a variety of public and private clients
  • Stormwater collection and conveyance layout and design
  • Environmental cleanup and habitat restoration
  • Container terminal infrastructure design
  • Marinas
  • Ferry terminals
  • Waterway dredging
  • Fisheries Engineering; hatchery building and pond design, diversion and intake structures; Fish passage replacement
  • Rail infrastructure
Qualifications

Who We’re Looking For:

  • Detail oriented and desire for continued learning
  • Willingness to work on a variety of projects
  • Excellent teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • General understanding of stormwater hydrology and hydraulics basics
  • General understanding of AutoCAD and Civil 3D

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

  • Duties are primarily conducted in a standard office setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer table.
  • Occasionally may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.
  • Occasionally visiting project locations and performing field inspections which may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.

Additional Information

Culture and Benefits:

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges and blossom into a consulting trailblazer. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and common values, ensuring that your accomplishments are celebrated, and your career trajectory is in your hands. At KPFF, we're not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the chance to leave a lasting mark on pioneering projects.

Compensation:

The salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate is $27-$32 per hour.

KPFF

KPFF, a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm, is committed to Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion. With over 60 years of experience, we provide creative solutions for diverse projects, scales, and industries. Our 1,500 professionals in 36 offices nationwide thrive in a decentralized structure, offering abundant flexibility and numerous opportunities for professional growth. At KPFF, join a legacy of excellence where every team member has the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions and impactful projects.

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KPFF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.