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Physical Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Springfield, VA

Information Security Engineer Intern

Mclean, VA · On-site

$8.6K/mo

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Help identify, design, and implement automated processes for conducting internal and external ... Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related STEM field with a strong ...

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Mechanical Systems Design Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and development of ... Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or ...

Design Engineer 5 - Tysons, VA

Tysons, VA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

... intern cohort programming and events. *Applications close on August 10, 2026. Internship offers ... strong design skills, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (i.e. After Effects, InDesign ...

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Mechanical Systems Design Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and development of ... Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or ...

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems ... Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or ...

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Intern Transportation Engineer

Leesburg, VA

$17.75 - $23/hr

Pennoni is seeking a Transportation Planning Intern to join our team and support transportation ... and applicable design or policy documents. * Contribute to planning-level recommendations by ...

Intern Transportation Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Pennoni is seeking a Transportation Planning Intern to join our team and support transportation ... and applicable design or policy documents. * Contribute to planning-level recommendations by ...

Individual will work on all phases of civil/municipal engineering including grading design, roadway ... Summer Intern Program During the summer intern program, interns gain hands-on project experience ...

AV/IT Design Engineer/Estimator

Lanham, MD · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

... Design Engineer. The Engineer is responsible for converting customer requirements and system ... Develop detailed scope of work documents defining both physical and functional requirements of the ...

Showing results 41-60

Physical Design Engineer Intern information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$11

$20

$30

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical design engineer intern in Springfield, VA is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a physical design engineer intern?

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 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 Springfield, VA?

For Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Physical Design Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Physical Design Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Design Engineer Intern job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,963 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Test Hardware Design Engineer

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

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


Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.

Job Description

Job Description Summary
X-Energy is seeking a test hardware design engineer to join our nuclear auxiliary systems prototype development team. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing, manufacturing, integrating, and testing mechanical systems, assemblies, and components. This role is responsible for the engineering design, integration, and commissioning of specialized testbeds, test setups, tooling, and handling equipment used for testing prototype designs to reduce risk and advance technology readiness level (TRL). You will provide oversight for manufacturing, integration, and testing activities, and play a key role in evaluating prototype performance to facilitate rapid iteration of the design, build, and testing process.


Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.

  • Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.

  • Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.

  • Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.

  • Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy concepts, technologies, and designs associated with X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.

  • Integrate design activities across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers and perform supporting scoping and sizing calculations to downselect design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards.

  • Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.

  • Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.

  • Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.

  • Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.

  • Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.

  • Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.

  • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.

  • Teach and mentor more junior team members.

  • Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.

  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.

  • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.

  • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.

  • Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.

  • Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.

  • Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

  • Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.

  • One plus years of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment is required. May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.

  • Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.

Preferred Skills

  • Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III and/or Section VIII.

  • Experience using hand-tools and handling equipment to assemble mechanical systems or components.

  • Experience designing and developing specialized test setups, tooling, and handling equipment for evaluating mechanical system or component performance.

  • Familiarization with metrology techniques for inspection of components, performing fit checks, and troubleshooting mechanical issues.

  • Familiarization withselectionand use of instrumentation for testing and characterizing performance ofelectro-mechanical systems and components.

  • Experience working in hazardous industrial or manufacturing environments with prior training in areas such as: Pressurized or Stored Energy, High/Low Voltage Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Hoist/Rigging Operations, Machining, Hazard Awareness,etc...

  • Proficiency with data analysis software (MATLAB, python, or similar) for processing experimental data.

  • Experience with data acquisition systems (LabVIEW or similar) and test instrumentation.

  • Experience with prototype development and experimental testing in R&D or laboratory environments.

  • Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety-related systems.

  • Experience with design using ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1 or B31.3, and other industry standards.

  • Experience withmechanicaldesign of heat exchangers, boilers, or steam generators.

  • Experience with Mechanical Process Equipment (Piping, Ducting, HVAC, Fire Suppression, Pumps, Pressure Vessels, Valves, Structural Supports)selection, sizing, and specification development.

  • Experience with designofcontrol, gate, globe, ball,orcheck valvesforhigh-pressure and high-temperaturefluid or gas applications.

  • Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessel or large metallic components.

  • Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development.

  • Experiencedesigning andexecutingvibration, shock, and modal test programsto qualify mechanical components for high-reliability applications.

Job Level Qualifications:

  • Level II

    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities

      • Support team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, under guided supervision.

      • Coordinate with engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to facilitate the convergence of efforts, allow design closure, provide design assurance, and deliver high quality engineering work products.

    • Level Minimum Qualifications

      • Typically, three years of experience in an engineering role required.

      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.

      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.

  • Level III

    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities

      • Execute the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.

      • Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.

    • Level Minimum Qualifications

      • Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.

      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.

      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.

  • Level IV

    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities

      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgement.

      • Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.

      • Lead small groups of engineers to solve complex technical problems and deliver high quality engineering work products on time and within budget.

    • Level Minimum Qualifications

      • Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.

      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.

      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.

  • Level V

    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities

      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.

      • Teach and mentor more junior team members.

      • Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.

      • Level Minimum Qualifications

      • Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.

      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.

      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.

      • Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.

Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville MD
Work Site Expectations:4 days in office

Travel Expectations: up to 10% as needed

Hours: Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

Level II: $95,000 - $120,000 Level III: $115,000 - $140,000 Level IV: $140,000 - $170,000 Level V: $170,000 - $200,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package tha...