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Design Intern Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

For the Development Intern: Assist with assigned outreach initiatives Support record keeping as assigned Assist with special projects to help fulfill development goals For the Communications Intern:

For the Development Intern: · Assist with assigned outreach initiatives · Support record keeping as assigned · Assist with special projects to help fulfill development goals For the Communications ...

Design/Graphics Intern

Arlington, VA

$17.25 - $23/hr

Grab an internship with the design team at Red Edge! Red Edge, a digital advocacy firm that serves leading organizations defending free enterprise, is looking for a young whippersnapper to come in ...

Design/Graphics Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Grab an internship with the design team at Red Edge! Red Edge, a digital advocacy firm that serves leading organizations defending free enterprise, is looking for a young whippersnapper to come in ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Intern information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for design intern in Springfield, VA is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $22.60 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 Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Design Intern jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Intern job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,099 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Intern - Project Engineer

Southland Industries Inc.

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist a design manager or project manager in coordinating HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection projects.

  • Support activities such as document control, trade and subcontractor coordination, and procurement of equipment and services.

  • Help develop project schedules, assist in budget analysis, and estimate project changes and impacts.


Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Alternate locations include Dulles, VA, Boydton, VA, and Laurel, MD


Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for those students who seek a truly immersive and hands-on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co-op student, and every new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short and long term career goals. If a student program that exposes you to exciting projects and potential career paths with one of the country’s largest MEP building systems firms appeals to you and you're ready for the next big step in your career, then JOIN our team and become a part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce students to a career in the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist a design manager or project manager to successfully coordinate a project using the necessary engineering, labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontracted services. This position requires the development of skills in design, estimating and scheduling to better understand the coordination of the design-build construction process.

Position Details

  • Support field labor
  • Labor feedback   
  • Equipment & Subcontractor procurement
  • Document Control
  • Design, Trade & Subcontractor coordination
  • Assist in budget analysis, cost and margin projections, estimate project changes & impacts, etc.
  • Assist in the development of project schedules.

Qualifications

  • You’re pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs:
    • Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering
    • Construction Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Safety Sciences
    • Other areas of interest – Building Automation, Energy Management
  • You have an Interest in technical courses – fluids, heat transfer, CM scheduling, finance, etc.
  • A strong work ethic
  • Initiative and drive to get the job done
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to be resourceful and resilient
  • Able to solve problems with limited support
  • Quick learner, seeks answers on their own
  • Positive attitude during adverse/non-ideal situations
  • Exercises Accountability in stressful situations (avoids placing blame)
  • Goal Oriented
  • Collaborative spirit and a Good Teammate – has a “We vs. Me” attitude
  • Strong active listening skills
  • Competent general business writing and public speaking

What you’ll gain from our Student Programs at Southland Industries:

  • Basic knowledge of HVAC design to include types of equipment utilized in the industry as well as general understanding of system operations (i.e. variable air, constant volume, refrigeration cycle) is desired but not required.
  • The ability to read mechanical and plumbing drawings and identify work installed to track labor feedback accurately.
  • The ability to prepare an equipment delivery log and track status of these orders.
  • You’ll learn to communicate effectively with engineers, vendors and suppliers to procure, manage and update the submittal process.
  • Ability to communicate with field foremen in order to write and track Requests for Information (RFI) both internally with our design department and externally with the architect or other designers.
  • Finally, you’ll get your hands dirty!

Internship/Co-op Program Benefits:

  • Hands-on classroom and on-the-job experience in your specific role
  • Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
  • Socially distant group activities and team events
  • Paid housing (some locations)
  • Paid internship/Co-op
  • Potential full-time employment opportunities

Full-time Employee Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay:  For Maryland-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, in alignment with program guidelines and market standards.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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