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Mechanical Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $29.75/hr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to work in our ... The intern may also assist with the design and specification of system layouts, load calculations ...

Dewberry

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA

$18.75 - $29.75/hr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to work in our ... The intern may also assist with the design and specification of system layouts, load calculations ...

HII

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or ...

HII

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or ...

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Mechanical Design Intern information

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Virginia?

For Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Design Intern jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Design Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Design Intern job openings:

Mechanical Design Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Intern - Design Engineer

Southland Industries

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 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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