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Physical Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Reston, VA

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer We are partnering with a cutting-edge advanced nuclear energy ... Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or ...

Design Engineer, Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

$65K - $104K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Design Engineer 5 - Tysons, VA

Tysons, VA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Seeking a Senior Design Engineer that is able to work with a dynamic team of engineers ...

Design Engineer Principal

Tysons, VA · On-site

$125K - $187K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Design Engineer Principal

Tysons, VA · On-site

$125K - $156K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Design Engineer Staff

Tysons, VA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

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Physical Design Engineer Intern information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do physical design engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical design engineer intern in Reston, VA is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Design Engineer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Design Engineer Intern, you generally need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital circuit design, and semiconductor fundamentals, often supported by ongoing university studies in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, as well as scripting languages like TCL or Python, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualifications are important because they ensure accurate chip layouts, efficient workflows, and successful collaboration within complex engineering teams.

What types of projects and tasks can a Physical Design Engineer Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Physical Design Engineer Intern, you will typically be involved in supporting the design and verification of integrated circuits at the physical level. Common tasks include assisting with floorplanning, placement and routing, timing analysis, and running design rule checks using industry-standard EDA tools. You may also participate in team meetings, collaborate with senior engineers, and help resolve issues related to power, performance, and area optimization. These hands-on experiences are designed to help you build practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the physical design flow in VLSI chip development.

What does a Physical Design Engineer Intern do?

A Physical Design Engineer Intern assists in the process of transforming a circuit design (RTL) into a real, manufacturable layout for semiconductor chips. They work on tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and verifying that the chip design meets all physical and electrical requirements. Interns typically use electronic design automation (EDA) tools to perform these tasks and collaborate with experienced engineers. Their work is crucial in ensuring that chips are both functional and manufacturable at scale.

What is the difference between Physical Design Engineer Intern vs Digital Design Engineer Intern?

AspectPhysical Design Engineer InternDigital Design Engineer Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringTypically pursuing or holding a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning and implementing physical chip layouts, working with EDA toolsDesigning digital logic circuits, working on HDL coding and simulation
Industry UsageFoundries, semiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firmsSemiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firms, tech companies

Physical Design Engineer Interns focus on translating digital logic designs into physical layouts for chips, working closely with EDA tools. Digital Design Engineer Interns concentrate on creating and simulating digital logic circuits using hardware description languages. Both roles are essential in chip development but differ in their specific tasks and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA? For Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Physical Design Engineer Intern job openings:
Mechanical Design Engineer

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 hours ago


Job description

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team in Herndon, VA.  

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.


Purpose

Perform all levels of mechanical design including the development of construction documents.


Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

  • Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially on difficult assignments and possible solutions. Work is completed using standard engineering techniques and design principles and is reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement.

At the Operational and Company Level

  • Assist with the marketing of the firm’s capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

Do the Work

  • Design appropriate mechanical systems in accordance with current code requirements and sound engineering principles.
  • Communicate effectively with engineers, project manager, and occasionally the client.
  • Conduct field observations visits to accurately document the existing field conditions.
  • Organize/prioritize multiple tasks to complete the design in a sequential efficient manner.
  • Accurately produce the project construction documents to meet milestone schedules within a predetermined hourly budget.
  • Assist in developing construction cost estimates for mechanical systems.
  • Attend coordination and design meetings, as needed.
  • Assist with project specifications and budget construction cost estimating.
  • Address comments from clients, AHJ's & other review authorities; adjust designs accordingly.
  • If directed, review all project related construction administrative items (shop drawings, RFI's, change order proposals).
  • Work within established project budgets.
  • Possess and continue to develop a working knowledge of all codes applicable to the discipline.
  • Possess and continue to develop a working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit software.

Success Metrics and Competencies
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
  • Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
  • Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
  • Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
  • Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering or related engineering discipline required at time of employment.
  • Entry level position, no prior experience required. Any professional experience is a plus.
  • Knowledgeable of AutoCAD, REVIT, CHVAC/RHVAC, Trane Trace and/or eQuest modeling software.
  • EIT and LEED accreditation preferred.

About Bowman

Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

 

A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $70,000 - $80,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
  • Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.


Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
  • Mobility around an office environment.
  • Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
  • Occasionally outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
  • Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

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Job Description Disclaimer

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruiting@bowman.com.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering or related engineering discipline required at time of employment.
  • Entry level position, no prior experience required. Any professional experience is a plus.
  • Knowledgeable of AutoCAD, REVIT, CHVAC/RHVAC, Trane Trace and/or eQuest modeling software.
  • EIT and LEED accreditation preferred.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME