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Internship Gear Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

The Role Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and ... landing gear integration. * Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc. * Hardware ownership ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc. * Hardware ownership ...

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All JobsGear Design Engineer JobsInternship Gear Design Engineer JobsInternship Gear Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Internship Gear Design Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do internship gear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship gear design engineer in Reston, VA is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship gear design engineer do?

An Internship Gear Design Engineer assists in the design, analysis, and testing of gears used in various mechanical systems, such as automotive transmissions or industrial machinery. They work closely with senior engineers to create CAD models, run simulations, and support prototype development. Interns may also help with drafting technical documentation and participating in team meetings. This role provides hands-on experience in mechanical engineering principles and the gear design process.

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

As an Internship Gear Design Engineer, you will typically work on assisting with the design, testing, and analysis of gears and gear systems for various mechanical applications. Interns often support senior engineers by creating CAD models, running simulations, and contributing to prototype assembly and testing. You may also participate in team meetings, collaborate with manufacturing and quality departments, and help document design processes. This hands-on experience allows you to apply academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges and gain insight into the full product development cycle.

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

To thrive as an Internship Gear Design Engineer, you need a strong grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals, gear theory, and CAD design, often supported by ongoing or completed coursework in mechanical or automotive engineering. Familiarity with CAD software like SolidWorks or CATIA, and simulation tools such as ANSYS, is typically required, and knowledge of industry standards (like AGMA) is beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help interns excel in collaborative and technical environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing reliable gear systems, meeting project requirements, and contributing positively to engineering teams.

What is the difference between Internship Gear Design Engineer vs Gear Design Engineer?

AspectInternship Gear Design EngineerGear Design Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering program, basic CAD skillsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, experience in gear design
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised, entry-level tasksFull-time professional role, independent project work
Industry UsageInternship programs in manufacturing and automotive companiesDesign and manufacturing firms, automotive, aerospace industries

The main difference is that an Internship Gear Design Engineer is a temporary, entry-level position for students or recent graduates gaining experience, while a Gear Design Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing gears, often with more advanced skills and responsibilities.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Internship Gear Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Internship Gear Design Engineer job openings:

Internship Gear Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Gear Design Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,796 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Intern - Design Engineer

Southland Industries

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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


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 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.
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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