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Mechanical Design Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Prior intern experience in HVAC and building systems a plus but not required. Requirements ... Mechanical design of building systems to include plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, fire ...

Technical Intern 3

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

You will create mechanical design artifacts and computer-aided design (CAD) models * You will support integration and verification testing over military grade climatic and dynamic environments * You ...

Technical Intern 3

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

You will create mechanical design artifacts and computer-aided design (CAD) models * You will support integration and verification testing over military grade climatic and dynamic environments * You ...

Technical Intern 3

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

You will create mechanical design artifacts and computer-aided design (CAD) models * You will support integration and verification testing over military grade climatic and dynamic environments * You ...

In your role, you'll be tasked with the mechanical design of utility systems, encompassing steam ... Engineering Intern (EI) having passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and currently pursuing a ...

CO-Op/Intern - Mechanical Engineer

Montpelier, IA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Learn to take a project from conceptual design through proof of concept, engineering, installation ... Familiarity with mechanical drawings: assemblies, details and bill of materials * Intermediate ...

CO-Op/Intern - Mechanical Engineer

Montpelier, IA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Learn to take a project from conceptual design through proof of concept, engineering, installation ... Familiarity with mechanical drawings: assemblies, details and bill of materials * Intermediate ...

CO-Op/Intern - Mechanical Engineer

Montpelier, IA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Learn to take a project from conceptual design through proof of concept, engineering, installation ... Familiarity with mechanical drawings: assemblies, details and bill of materials * Intermediate ...

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Mechanical Design Intern information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$18

$34

How much do mechanical design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical design intern in Iowa is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectMechanical Design InternMechanical Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering or related programBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in engineering departments or R&D labsFull-time professional role in design, analysis, and project management
ResponsibilitiesAssist in design tasks, CAD modeling, and testing under supervisionLead design projects, perform detailed analysis, and collaborate with teams

The main difference between a Mechanical Design Intern and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and career stage. Interns typically support ongoing projects and gain practical experience, while engineers take on full project responsibilities and have advanced qualifications. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, with internships serving as stepping stones to full engineering careers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a mechanical design intern?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, 3D modeling, and technical drawing, typically supported by progress toward a mechanical engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD and basic knowledge of simulation tools are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills will set you apart in this role. These skills ensure you can contribute to design projects efficiently, collaborate with teams, and produce accurate, manufacturable designs.

What does a mechanical design intern do?

A Mechanical Design Intern assists engineering teams by creating and modifying technical drawings and 3D models of mechanical components or systems. They often use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to support the development of prototypes and production parts. Interns may also help with testing, analyzing data, and preparing documentation to ensure designs meet project requirements. This role provides hands-on experience and helps interns learn about the product development process within a real-world engineering environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Mechanical Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Iowa? For Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mechanical Design Intern jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Mechanical Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Intern job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,857 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Design Professional - Mechanical

Shive Hattery Group, Inc.

West Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description



Shive-Hattery's West Des Moines, IA office has an opening for a new graduate or early career Mechanical Engineer with 0 to 2 years of experience. This position will support our mechanical commissioning group and design group. This opportunity is a full-time position for a motivated individual with the ability to work and learn and the goal of acquiring a Professional Engineer license.



What You'll Do:

  • With the support of the Group Leader and the Mechanical Engineers in this location, this position assists on a variety of design projects across the private and public sectors.
  • Assist more senior engineers with entry-level mechanical commissioning tasks
  • Assist more senior engineers with entry-level mechanical engineering tasks
  • Assist with installation verification and operation verification of building systems to include plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, fire protection, building automation, and industrial process systems
  • Assist with mechanical design of building systems to include plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, fire protection, building automation, and industrial process systems
  • Work in a team setting with mechanical team members and multi-disciplines teams including Electrical, Structural, Architectural, and Civil
  • Work on a variety of mechanical projects across our market sectors. Common projects include government facilities, healthcare, industrial, commercial and education facilities
  • Produce construction drawings using Revit 3D modeling software
  • Assist with performing onsite construction administration and construction observation services including reporting and monitoring contractor's compliance with contract documents.


Requirements



  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering with an HVAC emphasis from an accredited engineering school.
  • Experience: new graduate or early career Design Professional with 0 to 2 years; Prior intern experience in HVAC and building systems is a plus but not required.
  • License/Certification: Have taken and passed, or intent to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to obtain official Engineering Intern designation by the State of Iowa
  • Experienced in 3D modeling software, Revit preferred. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is desired
  • Must be able to collaborate with other team members in a professional environment and have good interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
  • Must be able to manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to engineering detail
  • Must be able to drive and have access to an automobile, climb ladders and work off of elevated platforms and open grating, and wear personal protective equipment required for specific clients and sites
  • Must be able to pass drug screening tests and background screening, which are both required for some client sites.


Why Shive-Hattery?


Our learning and teaching culture is founded on collaboration. You will learn from and teach other employees while working across disciplines. You will grow your skills and continue your professional growth at Shive-Hattery.


Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.



Benefit Highlights

  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Childย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย FSA - Medical & Dependent Care
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 8 Paid Holidays + PTOย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Paid Parental Leave
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 401K/Roth 401K with Company Matchย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Overtime Bonusย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Profit Sharing Bonus
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย First Time License Bonus
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Professional Development Opportunitiesย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ...And Many More!ย 



U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

  • At ย this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.


Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.



Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.