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Internship Prototype Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Collaborate with manufacturing teams to observe and support prototype development and testing ... Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software through coursework, projects, or internships

Collaborate with manufacturing teams to observe and support prototype development and testing ... Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software through coursework, projects, or internships

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements * Develop and release ... Internship, co-op, or academic project experience involving CAD design * Exposure to plastic ...

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN · Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements * Develop and release ... Internship, co-op, or academic project experience involving CAD design * Exposure to plastic ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Your experience with embedded hardware design, embedded firmware development, prototyping ... Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and interns on design practices and debugging techniques ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$114K - $149K/yr

Your experience with embedded hardware design, embedded firmware development, prototyping ... Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and interns on design practices and debugging techniques ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Your experience with embedded hardware design, embedded firmware development, prototyping ... Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and interns on design practices and debugging techniques ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Shakopee, MN

$114K - $149K/yr

Design, schematic capture, prototype, and support layout of microcontroller and microprocessor ... Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and interns on design practices, debugging techniques, and ...

Sr. R&D Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

May mentor or supervise less experienced engineers, interns, and co-ops. * Other duties as ... Design controls. * Risk management and creating risk analyses. * Laboratory prototyping. * Safety ...

Collaborate with Product Design Engineers to develop new product lines * Perform technical analysis ... Provide technical guidance to technicians, interns, and support personnel What Do You Need?

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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 are Internship Prototype Design positions?

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 cities in Minnesota are hiring for Internship Prototype Design jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Internship Prototype Design job openings:
3D Design Intern

$20 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

MISSION

PD Instore is a future-forward creator of brand solutions that enlightens, inspires, and transforms the consumer’s experience.

ABOUT PD

Founded in 1938, PD is a world-renowned design-to-build partner that crafts custom, future-forward brand solutions for some of the largest brands in retail.

Summary

The 3D Design Intern is an emerging creative contributor who supports the development of retail environments, displays, branded experiences, and visual concepts that align with PD’s clients and creative direction. Working under the guidance of the Creative Director and design team, this role offers hands-on exposure to the creative process from concept development through execution.

This internship is ideal for a current student, recent graduate, or early-career designer with strong creative instincts, curiosity around emerging technologies and AI-assisted workflows, and an interest in retail, spatial, and experiential design.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Support the design team in developing thoughtful, brand-right retail displays, environments, and visual concepts
  • Assist in creating presentation materials, renderings, mockups, and visual storytelling assets
  • Contribute ideas and references during concept development and creative reviews
  • Collaborate with designers, strategists, engineers, and account teams to support project execution
  • Explore modular and scalable design solutions that balance creativity with manufacturability
  • Participate in brainstorming, sketching, digital visualization, and production preparation
  • Help organize and prepare files, decks, and assets for internal reviews and client presentations
  • Stay curious about emerging creative tools, AI-assisted workflows, digital culture, and evolving design trends
  • Support multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Fosters a culture that values family, innovation, collaboration and empowerment
  • Follows all safety and workplace policies

Competencies and Skills

  • Strong creative instincts with interest in retail, brand, spatial, or experiential design
  • Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Blender, SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds Max, KeyShot, or related software
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Interest in digital culture, internet-native visual communication, and emerging creative technologies
  • AI-curious mindset with interest in using creative AI tools as part of concept development and workflow exploration
  • Experience with digital sketching tools such as Procreate or Adobe Fresco preferred
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to take direction, interpret feedback, and learn quickly
  • Organized, adaptable, and eager to contribute in a team environment
  • Ability to demonstrate and apply our workplace values
  • Flexibility to travel between multiple PD locations
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment

Education/Certification

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Interactive Design, Architecture, or a related creative field

Experience

  • Portfolio, coursework, freelance work, or personal creative projects demonstrating strong visual thinking and creative potential preferred
  • Interest in retail, branded environments, experiential design, fashion, gaming, digital culture, or contemporary visual communication is a plus
  • Exposure to culturally diverse, urban, or globally influenced creative environments encouraged.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • This role is primarily based in a collaborative studio and office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Occasional movement throughout office, production, or client environments may be required, along with handling presentation materials, samples, or prototypes.
  • Walking, sitting, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting may be required throughout the workday.

Benefits and perks we offer to full-time, regular employees

  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 4% 401k Match with 5% Employee Contribution
  • Paid Time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Flex Time  
  • STD, LTD and Group Life Insurance
  • FSA and HSA Options
  • Voluntary
    • Life Insurance
    • Critical Illness Insurance
    • Accident Insurance
    • Legal and Identity Theft Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Advancement
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Recognition
  • English as a Second Language Education
  • Online Training Opportunities