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Design Intern Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Gumloop

Design Engineer Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

What we're working on - Changelog Role Overview We're looking for a Design Engineering Intern to help shape, design, and build high-craft product experiences end to end. This role sits at the ...

Lux

Home Interior Designer Intern

San Francisco, CA

Work with the graphic design and merchandising team to display our aesthetic, preferences, and vision in order to provide design recommendations for our customers Develop good relationships with team ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027) As an intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on ...

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All JobsDesign Intern JobsDesign Intern Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Design Intern information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

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How much do design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for design intern in San Rafael, CA is $21.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a design intern typically expect during their internship?

As a Design Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with concept development, creating digital and print assets, and supporting the design team with research and brainstorming sessions. Interns often have the opportunity to contribute to real client projects under the guidance of experienced designers, allowing for both skill development and portfolio growth. You may also collaborate closely with other departments like marketing or product teams, gaining insight into how design supports broader business objectives. The workload is usually a mix of independent assignments and team-based projects, providing a well-rounded internship experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design or visual arts, typically supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaborative tools like Figma is usually expected. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and time management are soft skills that help you excel and learn quickly. These abilities are crucial for contributing effectively to design projects, adapting to team workflows, and building a foundation for a future design career.

What is the difference between Design Intern vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign InternGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in design or related fieldFormal education often preferred; professional experience valued
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or temporary, in creative agencies or companiesFull-time or freelance roles in various industries, including advertising, publishing, and digital media
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employeesEstablished role for creating visual content across multiple platforms

In summary, a Design Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while a Graphic Designer is a professional responsible for creating visual content with more independence and expertise.

What does a design intern do?

A design intern assists with creating visual concepts, layouts, and prototypes for projects using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. They support the design team by conducting research, gathering feedback, and refining designs to meet project goals, often gaining hands-on experience in the creative process. The role typically involves collaboration, learning industry standards, and developing skills in graphic or UI/UX design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Design Intern jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Design Intern job openings:

Design Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Intern job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,928 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Mechanical Design Intern (Winter 2027)

San Francisco, CA

Peak Energy
See more jobs at Peak Energyexternal

$35/hr

Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Job 

Peak Energy is looking for a Mechanical Design Intern to join our Energy Storage Systems (ESS) team and work on mechanical designs of our utility scale sodium-ion energy storage systems (ESS). You will be supporting mechanical system and component design and will work with other design, analysis, manufacturing and test teams to realize your designs. You are hands-on, highly motivated and excited to learn. 

 Responsibilities: 

  • Focus on design areas of need, which may include: module enclosure, adhesives, plastic component design, high current conductors, communications harnessing 
  • Interface tightly with partners such as thermal and structural analysts and other design functions to inform design decisions 
  • Drive and participate in a culture of rapid prototyping and testing 
  • Support validation of Peak products from concept through field deployment 
  • Ensure a smooth transition from maturing product to mass production 
  • A great team spirit and get-it-done attitude. No job is too big or too small.  

 Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Pursuing a mechanical engineering, engineering physics, or equivalent degree 
  • Strong grasp mechanical and thermal engineering fundamentals 
  • Basic understanding of power electronics and electrical fundamentals 
  • Familiarity with 3D CAD software 
  • Experience with building prototypes 
  • Passion for renewable energy, sustainability, and driving positive environmental impact through technology innovation. 
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

  • CATIA V6 or Siemens NX experience 
  • Familiarity with simulation or analysis tools like MATLAB, FEA, or CFD 

Peak Energy Core Values 

  • Speed Through Focus: Prioritize what matters most and execute quickly without distractions. 
  • Mission Over Self: Put the company's mission and team success ahead of individual interests. 
  • Face the Brutal Truth: Embrace honesty, even when it's uncomfortable, to make informed decisions. 
  • Be a Good Person: Treat everyone with respect and integrity, fostering a positive and ethical work environment. 

The pay for this role is $35/hr. Our competitive benefits package includes flexible time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a strong 401(k) plan, and equity opportunities. Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector! 

At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

About the Company:

Peak Energy is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid. 

Sodium-Ion is cheap, readily available and safe, making it the leading contender in a rapidly evolving market.   

Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling gigawatt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, SunPower, Fluence, and Enovix. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners such as TDK Ventures and Eclipse Ventures.  

We are a team of engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, and partners driven by a shared ambition to set the new performance standard for renewable energy and grid resilience. 

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