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Internship Prototype Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3D Design Intern

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

This internship is ideal for a current student, recent graduate, or early-career designer with ... prototypes. * Walking, sitting, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting may be ...

Support prototype development, validation, and product testing efforts using standard lab equipment ... Internships/co-ops acceptable). * Fundamental knowledge of industry standards such as IPC for ...

Senior R&D Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

May provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and interns on assigned ... prototype development for next-generation system architectures and platform capabilities. * Design ...

Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

Chaska, MN · On-site

$118K - $143K/yr

Manage phase-gate processes, design reviews, prototyping, documentation, regulatory certification ... Mentor junior engineers, interns, and co-op roles to foster technical growth and team development ...

Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

Chaska, MN

$112K - $148K/yr

Manage phase-gate processes, design reviews, prototyping, documentation, regulatory certification ... Mentor junior engineers, interns, and co-op roles to foster technical growth and team development ...

... ideation, prototyping, validation, design refinement, and implementation with engineering ... About you: * Relevant product design experience through professional work, internships, or ...

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Internship Prototype Design information

What is the difference between Internship Prototype Design vs User Experience (UX) Design Intern?

AspectInternship Prototype DesignUser Experience (UX) Design Intern
Required SkillsBasic prototyping tools, design principlesResearch, wireframing, user testing
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, product developmentDesign teams, user research
Industry UsageTech, product companies, startupsTech, digital agencies, startups

Internship Prototype Design focuses on creating prototypes to visualize product ideas, while UX Design Interns work on improving user experience through research and interface design. Both roles often overlap but differ in core tasks and skill emphasis.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during an internship in prototype design?

As an intern in Prototype Design, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects that may include creating physical or digital prototypes, assisting with ideation sessions, and supporting user testing activities. You’ll likely use design software, collaborate with engineers and designers, and help prepare materials for presentations or client reviews. The role often involves rapid iteration and problem-solving, giving you exposure to the full design development process. You'll also gain valuable experience working within multidisciplinary teams, which is essential for building a strong foundation in product or industrial design.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an internship prototype designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Prototype Designer, you need foundational knowledge in design principles, prototyping methods, and familiarity with product development processes, often supported by coursework in industrial design, engineering, or related fields. Proficiency with tools like CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), 3D printing technologies, and rapid prototyping platforms is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this collaborative and iterative field. These skills ensure the creation of functional, innovative prototypes and smooth collaboration with cross-functional teams, which are crucial for successful product development.

What is an internship prototype design?

Internship Prototype Design positions are temporary roles typically offered to students or recent graduates, focusing on developing and testing early models (prototypes) of products, systems, or concepts. Interns in these roles work alongside experienced designers and engineers to brainstorm ideas, create prototypes using various materials or digital tools, and gather feedback for further improvement. The main goal is to gain practical experience in the design process and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. Such internships help participants build their portfolios and learn industry-standard design practices.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Design jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Prototype Design jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Prototype Design jobs in Minnesota? For Internship Prototype Design jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Internship Prototype Design jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Internship Prototype Design job openings:

Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

All Jobs

Lake City, MN • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description:

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities:


Product Design & Engineering Execution

  • Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
  • Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
  • Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
  • Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.


CAD, BOM, and Documentation

  • Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
  • Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
  • Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

  • Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
  • Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
  • Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

  • Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
  • Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

  • Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
  • Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
  • Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
  • Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
  • Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.