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Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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

Mechanical Engineer II (Onsite)

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$71.90K - $97.40K/yr

Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, such as CREO or equivalent * Prior engineering project experience or have completed an internship demonstrating practical application of ...

Mechanical Engineer II (Onsite)

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$71.90K - $97.40K/yr

Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, such as CREO or equivalent * Prior engineering project experience or have completed an internship demonstrating practical application of ...

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Design Engineer Internship information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$12

$24

$36

How much do design engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for design engineer internship in Tucson, AZ is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $27.26 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 Tucson, AZ? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
2026 Full-time - Tool Design Engineer I - Onsite (AZ)

2026 Full-time - Tool Design Engineer I - Onsite (AZ)

RTX

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


RTX rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Tool Engineering is a career field that specializes in designing custom mechanical solutions to support manufacturing, assembly, inspection and test throughout the product lifecycle. Tooling Engineers are the subject matter experts who design innovative fixturing, gages, assembly jigs, material handling devices, lifting fixtures, manufacturing aids, and machine design solutions. The use of these items provides a consistent, safe, ergonomic means to assemble, inspect, handle, and transport production hardware.

As a Tool Design Engineer you'll use computer aided design to generate 3-dimensional models and technical drawing packages. You'll be responsible for all aspects of designing, documentation, procuring and integrating assembly Tooling into a highly complex manufacturing environment. In addition, you'll oversee projects from development to implementation and strive to incorporate safe, ergonomic, error-proofed, and innovative solutions into the factory.

What You Will Do

  • Developing and approving complex 3-dimensional tooling solutions using CREO (Pro-E)
  • Capturing & communicating tooling concepts with manufacturing & factory teams.
  • Creating and implementing opportunities for improvement within our factories.
  • Representing manufacturing as a mechanical engineering resource to support a variety of factory initiatives.
  • Promoting standardized fixturing concepts across all programs to support a true multi-missile factory environment.
  • Reading and interpreting mechanical engineering drawings including the usage of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Providing stress analysis models and documents on below the hook lifting devices.
  • Establishing designs with significant consideration given to good error-proofing techniques and troubleshooting design flaws and production issues
  • Integrating Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to increase design usability and cost effectiveness.
  • Adjusting and optimizing designs as necessary to meet stakeholder needs.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Requires a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)

  • Experience with CAD modeling

  • Experience with drawing interpretation
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Clearance (ATF)

*Experience may be obtained through on-the-job experience, research, coursework, or projects.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Preferred majors in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology and Aerospace Engineering
  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA
  • Proven mechanical aptitude (ex. project development, hobbies)
  • Experience/education with mechanical project development
  • Knowledge and experience of machine shop practices
  • Previous tool design experience
  • Experience with CREO
  • Additive manufacturing experience

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.

  • Onsite in Tucson, AZ

  • Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

  • This position involves direct support of manufacturing activities and requires spending significant amounts of time in and around factory areas.

  • Relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates

  • Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 57,200 USD - 108,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

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