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Internship Small Startup Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Machine Designer

Portage, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

... startup procedures. * Maintain detailed project documentation, including design calculations ... Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior designers and interns, fostering skill development ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Walker, MI · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

... site startup. - Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental ... and debug, mentors interns and co-ops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$93K - $122K/yr

... site startup. - Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental ... interns and co‑ops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and delivers "lunch-and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Walker, MI

$92K - $121K/yr

... site startup. - Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental ... and debug, mentors interns and coops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and ...

Internship Small Startup information

What can I expect in terms of mentorship and learning opportunities during an internship at a small startup?

Interning at a small startup typically offers hands-on experience and close collaboration with founders and core team members. You can expect a less hierarchical structure, which means you'll likely have direct access to senior staff and more opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, and contribute ideas. Startups often foster a culture of learning by doing, so you'll be given meaningful responsibilities and the chance to see the impact of your work. However, structured mentorship programs may be less formal compared to larger companies, so it's important to be proactive about seeking guidance and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at a small startup, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern at a small startup, you typically need a foundational knowledge in your field of study, strong problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn quickly, often supported by current or recent enrollment in a relevant academic program. Familiarity with productivity tools like Google Workspace, project management software like Trello or Asana, and basic data analysis platforms is often advantageous. Strong communication, adaptability, and initiative are crucial soft skills, as startup environments demand flexibility and proactive contributions. These skills and qualities are important because interns at startups often wear many hats and must be able to handle evolving responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

What is an internship at a small startup?

An internship at a small startup is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience by working closely with a small, entrepreneurial company. Unlike larger corporations, small startups often provide interns with opportunities to take on more responsibility, learn directly from founders, and contribute to various aspects of the business. This experience can be highly valuable for developing a broad skill set, networking, and understanding the unique challenges and rewards of startup environments.

What is the difference between Internship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer?

AspectInternship Small StartupIntern Software Developer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in relevant degree program, basic coding skillsEnrolled in computer science or related field, coding proficiency
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, flexible, small teamCollaborative, project-based, tech-focused
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech, innovation sectorsTech companies, software firms, startups
Common Search & ComparisonInternship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer

Internship Small Startup positions typically involve flexible roles in dynamic environments, often requiring basic technical skills. Intern Software Developer roles are more specialized, focusing on coding and software projects within tech companies. Both are valuable for gaining industry experience, but the scope and expectations differ based on the company's size and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Internship Small Startup jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Internship Small Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Small Startup job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Senior Machine Designer

Senior Machine Designer

Selectek

Portage, MI • On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Machine Designer

Direct hire opportunity for a Senior Machine Designer. The designer can be located in Toledo OH, Columbus OH, Midland MI, Troy MI or Portage MI. Must be able to work in one of these locations 3x/week. You will play a pivotal role in the detailed design and development of specialized machinery and material handling equipment essential to manufacturing and industrial clients using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.

Job description:

  • Lead detailed mechanical design activities for machine and material handling equipment, including, but not limited to conveyors, lifts, feeders, and customized fabrication weldments, supporting industrial manufacturing projects primarily within manufacturing, glass, and other similar sectors.
  • Develop and validate 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor, ensuring design accuracy, dimensional control, and adherence to company and client standards.
  • Collaborate closely with process engineers, controls engineers, and structural designers to integrate automation components, ductwork routing, and equipment foundations into cohesive multidisciplinary design packages.
  • Coordinate with project managers to manage design scope, milestones, release cycles, and revision control through formal change management boards and document control systems.
  • Conduct comprehensive design reviews internally and with clients, providing clear technical presentations, clarifications, and incorporating feedback to optimize constructability and performance.
  • Prepare and submit technical submittals, vendor requests for information (RFIs), and evaluate supplier documentation to validate component compliance and manufacturability.
  • Support procurement and fabrication teams by developing clear build packages, including bill of materials, welding symbols, assembly instructions, and inspection checklists aligned with quality protocols.
  • Participate in site visits during equipment installation and commissioning phases to verify field adherence to design intent, troubleshoot emergent technical issues, and support safe startup procedures.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation, including design calculations, revisions logs, and correspondence, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
  • Apply rigorous attention to detail to identify and resolve potential design conflicts or safety hazards before fabrication, minimizing downstream risk.
  • Engage in continuous process improvement initiatives to refine design workflows, implement efficiency gains through 3D modeling best practices, and embed constructability reviews early in the design lifecycle.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior designers and interns, fostering skill development in CAD proficiency, industry codes, and equipment design fundamentals.
  • Assist in estimating labor and material quantities to support project budgeting and scheduling efforts, maintaining cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or compliance. Ongoing monitoring of project budget/costs throughout the project.
  • Utilize AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor automation features and scripting to accelerate repetitive design tasks and improve overall design throughput.

Required:

  • Minimum 15 years' professional experience in mechanical design with specific expertise in machine design and material handling equipment for manufacturing or industrial facilities.
  • Proficient, demonstrable advanced skills in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling and detailed mechanical drafting.
  • Thorough knowledge of mechanical fabrication, welding standards (AWS D1.1), and structural steel material specifications (ASTM A6) relevant to equipment manufacture.
  • Experience integrating ductwork systems, designing automation components, and fabrication weldments into machine designs.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively in verbal and written form with project teams, clients, and contractors.
  • Demonstrated adherence to quality assurance/control protocols and change management procedures within EPC or design firm environments.
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams involving project managers, discipline leads, and external stakeholders throughout all project phases from pre-design through construction administration and startup.

Preferred:

  • Experience using SolidWorks as an alternative to Inventor will be considered.
  • Background in constructability reviews and knowledge of field installation practices to optimize design for ease of fabrication and assembly.
  • Understanding of project cost estimating and schedule impacts related to machine design changes.
  • Leadership aptitude demonstrated through mentoring junior engineers or leading small technical teams.
  • Exposure to advanced modeling techniques, including parametric design and CAD automation to improve productivity and reduce errors.
  • Experience with industrial automation equipment integration and control system interfaces.

Salary + generous benefits program. Please submit resume to: wendyc@selectek.net Wendy 678-802-6616