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Product Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As part of Gaylor Electric's Production Innovation Center , this role also supports the design and continuous improvement of modular electric room skid solutions--bridging engineering, manufacturing ...

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Product Design Engineer Intern information

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$9

$19

$36

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

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for product design engineer intern in Virginia is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $21.44 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 are the most commonly searched types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Product Design Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Product Design Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer Intern job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,959 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Qualdoc

Chesterfield, VA

$95K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $95,000 per year (higher compensation available based on experience)

About the Role

We are hiring a Mechanical Product Design Engineer to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of heavy mechanical equipment used in industrial lifting, maintenance, and emergency response applications.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking products from concept through production while collaborating with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and field personnel to deliver reliable, high-quality equipment.

Schedule
  • 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
  • On-site in Chesterfield, VA
  • Approximately 10% travel for inspections, manufacturing support, vendor visits, customer locations, and field activities
  • Occasional after-hours support may be required during emergency situations
What You'll Do
Product Design
  • Design new mechanical equipment and improve existing products.
  • Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or comparable parametric CAD software.
  • Perform engineering calculations and reverse engineering when needed.
  • Validate designs through Finite Element Analysis (FEA), prototype evaluations, testing, and field verification.
  • Develop solutions that improve equipment performance, safety, serviceability, manufacturability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, calculations, and design records.
  • Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
Project Execution
  • Support projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, commissioning, implementation, and ongoing product support.
  • Assist with equipment rebuilds, upgrades, inspections, repair planning, and troubleshooting.
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams, operations, suppliers, and leadership to help keep projects on schedule.
  • Provide technical support for production, field service, inspections, and customer-related engineering issues.
  • Verify products are built according to engineering specifications and quality expectations.
Continuous Improvement
  • Solve technical challenges using sound engineering principles.
  • Participate in product standardization and quality improvement efforts.
  • Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers.
  • Manage multiple assignments while adapting to changing priorities.
  • Stay informed on current engineering methods, equipment technologies, and applicable industry standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software.
  • Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to validate analysis using engineering calculations.
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing methods, and engineering documentation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
  • Strong project and time management skills.
  • Commitment to engineering quality and workplace safety.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 10%.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
  • CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
  • Experience designing heavy equipment, industrial machinery, mobile equipment, or cranes.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
  • Experience supporting products throughout manufacturing, testing, and field deployment.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or equivalent
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
  • Ability to climb on equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfortable working in both office and industrial environments.
  • Willingness to work extended hours or provide emergency support when business needs require.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020