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Product Design Engineer Intern Jobs in California

Design parts for next generation prototypes * Chase down the root cause of mission critical issues on existing or developing products * Find solutions with engineering design or manufacturing process ...

New

Role Overview We're looking for a Design Engineering Intern to help shape, design, and build high ... This role sits at the intersection of product, design, and engineering. You'll contribute to key ...

... engineers on real product development and help push new hardware innovations forward ... Responsibilities As an RFIC Design Engineer Intern, you will: * Assist with the design and ...

... engineers on real product development and help push new hardware innovations forward ... Responsibilities As an RFIC Design Engineer Intern, you will: * Assist with the design and ...

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $112/hr

Our client is seeking an experienced Product Design Engineer to join an innovative engineering team supporting the design and development of hardware solutions used in retail environments and high ...

Product Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Product Design Engineer to help shape the physical form of our AI-powered devices. You'll work across the full product development cycle - concept sketches, CAD modeling ...

About the Role We're hiring a Product Design Engineer to help shape the physical form of our AI-powered devices. You'll work across the full product development cycle - concept sketches, CAD modeling ...

Product Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$151K - $181K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

Product Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior product design engineer. This engineer will be responsible for mechanical design of mechanisms and mechatronic systems from concept generation ...

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the specification, design, prototyping, and deployment of cutting-edge hardware systems. You will be a key contributor to our ...

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical leader responsible for driving the execution of complex projects. You will own critical systems from ...

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are a technical authority and thought leader responsible for solving the most ambiguous hardware problems. You will lead major, cross-functional ...

$135K - $163K/yr

Reporting to the Product Design Engineer Senior, the Product Design Engineer designs new products and/or develops product improvements based on Sales/Marketing functional specifications by applying ...

As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical leader responsible for driving the execution of complex projects. You will own critical systems from ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Design Engineer Intern information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$36

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for product design engineer intern in California is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Product Design Engineer Intern, you typically need a background in mechanical or industrial engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and a solid understanding of design principles. Familiarity with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo, and experience with prototyping or 3D printing systems are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork skills help interns contribute innovative ideas and collaborate efficiently. These competencies are crucial for transforming design concepts into practical solutions, ensuring product functionality, and supporting successful project outcomes.

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

AspectProduct Design Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of product design, industrial design, or related fieldsEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD software, prototyping labsManufacturing facilities, CAD labs, testing environments
Industry UsageConsumer products, industrial design, tech companiesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing industries
Common Search IntentDesign-focused roles, product development internshipsEngineering-focused roles, mechanical project internships

Product Design Engineer Interns focus on creating and refining product concepts, working closely with designers and engineers using CAD tools and prototyping. Mechanical Engineering Interns typically work on mechanical systems, testing, and manufacturing processes. Both roles require engineering or design backgrounds but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Product Design Engineer Intern expect during their internship?

As a Product Design Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects that may include assisting with CAD modeling, prototyping, conducting user research, and supporting design validation activities. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to iterate on design concepts and ensure feasibility. You'll likely participate in design reviews, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and help prepare documentation or presentations. This experience provides valuable insights into the end-to-end product development process and helps build skills crucial for a full-time engineering role.

What does a Product Design Engineer Intern do?

A Product Design Engineer Intern supports the design and development of new products by assisting with tasks such as creating prototypes, conducting tests, and preparing design documentation. They work closely with experienced engineers and designers to learn industry standards, use design software, and solve real-world engineering problems. This internship provides hands-on experience in the product development process, from concept to final production, and helps interns develop key technical and teamwork skills.
What job categories do people searching Product Design Engineer Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Product Design Engineer Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Product Design Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Design Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer Intern job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,777 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Product Design Engineer Intern

Skydio, Inc

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

$58/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the role:
As a member of the Product Design Team, you will work on meaningful projects that add value to Skydio and our users. You will solve complex, interesting problems and learn from a team of world-class engineers and researchers.
On the job you will:
  • Conquer challenges creatively with a scrappy mindset
  • Design parts for next generation prototypes
  • Chase down the root cause of mission critical issues on existing or developing products
  • Find solutions with engineering design or manufacturing process changes
  • Validate your solutions with hands-on prototyping, testing, and data collection
  • Communicate with a cross functional team of engineers and suppliers around the globe
  • Present your work in design reviews and learn from senior members of our team

We are looking for you to have:
  • Relentless curiosity
  • Ability to leverage rock solid fundamentals to create exceptional designs for complicated products
  • Passion for elegant mechanical design at the highest and lowest levels of detail that will delight customers
  • Experience with 3D CAD. Familiarity with CATIA is highly valued.

Bonus skills for the job (This experience is great to have, but we are also happy to teach you):
  • How to design for a broad array of manufacturing processes including: injection molding, metal casting, CNC machining, sheet metal forming, and composites.
  • How to complete DFM (design-for-manufacturing) with local and foreign suppliers
  • How to design and integrate circuit boards, antennas, and connectors into mechanical assemblies

Some examples of past projects include:
  • Gimbal Isolation: Design, simulate, re-design, DFM, and kick-off tooling for Skydio X10 gimbal vibration isolators
  • Scrappy Wind Tunnel: Exactly what it sounds like. Research what it takes to make a wind tunnel. Build a wind tunnel. Use the wind tunnel to learn about aerodynamic forces on a drone to inform design improvements.
  • Drone Battery Charger: Create prototypes for the battery charger for Skydio 2. Perform user studies, come up with a thermal solution, architect the product, and work on cosmetic surfacing.

Compensation Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $41/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $58 for PhD students*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends.
*For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/