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How much do intern design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern design engineer in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern design engineer do?

An Intern Design Engineer supports engineering teams by assisting with the design, development, and testing of products or systems. Their responsibilities typically include creating CAD models, drafting technical drawings, conducting research, and helping with prototype assembly. Interns also collaborate with other engineers to solve design challenges and may be involved in documentation or report writing. This role provides hands-on experience and helps interns build practical skills in engineering design processes.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an intern design engineer expect during their internship?

As an Intern Design Engineer, you will typically assist with drafting technical drawings, supporting product design, and participating in team brainstorming sessions. You may also work on prototyping, testing components, and documenting design changes under the supervision of senior engineers. This hands-on experience helps interns develop practical skills, understand engineering workflows, and learn how to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing and quality assurance.

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

To thrive as an Intern Design Engineer, a strong grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant engineering degree are typically required. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards is often expected. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to design projects, adapt to fast-paced environments, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Intern Design Engineer vs Junior Mechanical Engineer?

AspectIntern Design EngineerJunior Mechanical Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering programBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, supervisedEntry-level professional, responsible for design tasks under supervision
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design projects, learning industry toolsDeveloping design solutions, preparing technical drawings

Intern Design Engineers are typically students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while Junior Mechanical Engineers are entry-level professionals with a degree, responsible for more independent design work. Both roles are common in engineering firms, but the internship is more focused on learning, whereas the junior role involves applying skills in real projects.

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Intern Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intern Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Intern - Design Engineer

Austin, TX • On-site

Southland Industries
See more jobs at Southland Industriesexternal

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Southland Industries rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


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 candidates to a career in the field of Design Engineering for the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the design team in all aspects of our work.
Position Details
  • Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks as required.
  • Perform basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.
  • Perform basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection, and sizing, pipe and duct sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
  • Assist in coordinating all aspects of the project design with project management, architects, and other trades through the completion phase of a project.
  • Perform and check CADD drafting work.
  • Review applicable codes and criteria and examine field conditions as required to support design of project.

Qualifications
  • You're pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs: a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in Thermodynamics and HVAC Design is highly desirable.
  • 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:
  • You'll increase your 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.)
  • You'll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management, including project management and field trades.
  • You'll learn to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
  • You'll be able to strengthen your general business writing skills and gain additional experience with CADD and other products.

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 Employerand 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.
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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