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Mechanical Engineer Intern Jobs in Rochelle, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kaney is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on design and analysis of electromechanical actuation systems and components. You will drive the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of ...

Mechanical Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Kaney is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on design and analysis of electromechanical actuation systems and components. You will drive the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of ...

Kaney is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on design and analysis of electromechanical actuation systems and components. You will drive the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of ...

Mechanical Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Maintain communication through weekly updates of Change Requests, Deviation, QN trackers, and regular meetings What You Will Bring: * BS or BA Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Technical related ...

Mechanical Engineer II

Dixon, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Description Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer II is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Engineering department, including design, detailing, research ...

Job Type Full-time Description Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer II is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Engineering department, including design ...

Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer II is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Engineering department, including design, detailing, research, prototyping ...

Mechanical Engineer Intern information

See Rochelle, IL salary details

$14

$21

$29

How much do mechanical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical engineer intern in Rochelle, IL is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical engineer intern do?

A Mechanical Engineer Intern assists professional engineers with the design, development, and testing of mechanical devices and systems. Their responsibilities often include creating CAD drawings, conducting research, performing calculations, and helping with prototyping or laboratory testing. Interns gain hands-on experience by supporting real engineering projects and working alongside experienced engineers. This position provides valuable exposure to engineering processes and workplace culture, making it a key step for students studying mechanical engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a mechanical engineer intern expect during their internship?

As a Mechanical Engineer Intern, you'll typically assist with tasks such as CAD modeling, design analysis, prototype testing, and documentation of mechanical systems. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, contributing to ongoing projects in product development or process improvement. While responsibilities can vary by company, you may also be involved in hands-on work in labs or workshops, attending team meetings, and learning to use industry-standard engineering tools. This exposure offers a valuable opportunity to develop both technical and teamwork skills in a real-world engineering environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Intern, you need a strong grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by progress toward a mechanical engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and basic manufacturing processes is often required. Strong teamwork, willingness to learn, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate and absorb feedback in a professional environment. These abilities are crucial for contributing meaningfully to engineering projects and developing technical expertise for future roles.

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

AspectMechanical Engineer InternMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Mechanical Engineering programBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in engineering departments or labsFull-time engineering office or design studio
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by manufacturing, automotive, aerospace companiesDesign-focused roles in similar industries

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Intern and a Mechanical Design Engineer is experience and responsibility level. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Mechanical Design Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems.

Which internship is best for mechanical engineer interns?

The best internship for mechanical engineer interns typically involves companies or organizations that offer hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, or research, and often require knowledge of CAD software, MATLAB, or similar tools. Internships at engineering firms, manufacturing companies, or research institutions provide practical skills and industry exposure valuable for career development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochelle, IL?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochelle, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Intern jobs in Rochelle, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Intern jobs in Rochelle, IL are:

What cities near Rochelle, IL are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Rochelle, IL with the most Mechanical Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Intern job openings in Rochelle, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,260 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Job Summary:

Kaney is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on design and analysis of electromechanical actuation systems and components. You will drive the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of products to ensure they meet performance, safety, manufacturability, reliability, and certification requirements. 


Major Responsibilities:

  • Perform trade studies between alternative actuator design concepts to determine optimal approach
  • Ensure designs meet weight, envelope, performance, manufacturability, and cost targets
  • Perform stress, fatigue, and modal analyses with hand calculations and FEA tools to verify designs under various loading conditions
  • Determine appropriate bearing arrangements and sizes for new product designs
  • Develop detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings for rotary and linear actuators
  • Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses on new and existing products
  • Collaborate with systems and electrical engineering to integrate motors, sensors, drives, and control units into designs
  • Plan and execute tests of components and subsystems, document procedures, and analyze data
  • Support root-cause investigations for field or test failures on new and legacy products
  • Serve as Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead for sub-system deliverables, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers
  • Facilitate technical design reviews with both the internal team and stakeholders
  • Mentor junior engineers and interns on best practices
  • Help program management to track milestones and risks in projects you support
  • Support review and development of department policies and procedures

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in technical projects (e.g., project lead, mentoring junior engineers)
  • Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred) and engineering drawing generation
  • Proficient in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience using engineering change orders/notices/requests to document, track, and convey product changes

Minimum Competencies:

  • Capable of selecting and applying standard principles, theories, and concepts in mechanical engineering to the design of components and assemblies
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and demonstrated ability to accommodate those processes in product design
  • Ability to interact effectively with representatives of customers, suppliers and intra-company groups to design products that meet defined requirements and specifications
  • Understanding of materials selection and standard industry specifications
  • Remains current in the fields of mechanical design, analysis, modeling, and manufacturing techniques
  • Ability to identify and understand technical risk(s) and convey to others how risks may impact product performance and project schedule
  • Elevated level of attention to detail and an aptitude for adhering to process standards
  • Strong analytical skills for interpreting test data and driving design improvements

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with aerospace electromechanical actuator design and analysis
  • Experience with Ball Screw design practices and principals.
  • Experience with gear and gearbox design
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience designing products to meet RTCA DO-160 and/or MIL-STD-810 environmental test standards
  • Experience with embedded electronics packaging
  • Familiarity with reliability analysis methods
  • Familiarity with AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 practices

Operational Details / Work Environment

  • Work activities may be performed at company facilities or at the facilities of the company's customers and suppliers.
  • Work will be performed both in an office environment and in a laboratory environment.
  • Travel to customer and/or supplier sites may be required.
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) may be required in some workspaces