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Product Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Rochester, MN

Geotek LLC

Sr. Applications Engineer

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$98K - $138K/yr

This is a product-focused engineering role- if you are a strong mechanical or structural engineer who enjoys owning product design from concept through validation and launch, this role offers ...

Danaher

Software Engineer Internships

Rochester, MN · On-site

By submitting your interest, you'll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open ... Participating on an Agile Scrum team, collaborating across design, development, and testing

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All JobsProduct Design Engineer JobsProduct Design Engineer Internship JobsProduct Design Engineer Internship Jobs in Rochester, MN

Product Design Engineer Internship information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$62K

$133.7K

$159.1K

How much do product design engineer internship jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design engineer internship in Rochester, MN is $133,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,100.00 and $157,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product design engineer intern do?

A Product Design Engineer Intern assists in the development and improvement of products by working closely with engineering and design teams. Their responsibilities often include creating prototypes, conducting tests, analyzing data, and using CAD software to design components. Interns gain hands-on experience in the product development cycle, from concept to production. They also collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet both technical requirements and user needs.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a product design engineer internship?

As a Product Design Engineer Intern, you'll typically work on real-world projects such as prototyping new product concepts, conducting design validation tests, and creating technical drawings using CAD software. You may collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams to refine designs and ensure they meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Interns are often involved in brainstorming sessions, user research, and iterative design reviews, providing valuable exposure to the entire product development cycle. This hands-on experience helps you develop both technical and teamwork skills, laying a strong foundation for a future career in product design engineering.

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 generally need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD modeling, and problem-solving, typically supported by progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, as well as prototyping tools and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, is expected. Strong teamwork, creativity, and effective communication skills help interns contribute innovative ideas and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are essential for developing viable product solutions and gaining valuable hands-on experience in real-world design projects.

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

AspectProduct Design Engineer InternshipMechanical 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 plants, labs, CAD software
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consumer product firms, industrial design firmsManufacturers, engineering firms, automotive, aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Product Design Engineer Internship focuses on developing and refining product designs, often involving CAD modeling, prototyping, and user-centered design. In contrast, the Mechanical Engineering Intern typically emphasizes mechanical systems, analysis, and manufacturing processes. Both roles require engineering fundamentals but differ in their specific focus areas and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN are:

Product Design Engineer Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer Internship job openings in Rochester, MN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,745 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

Lake City, MN • On-site

All Jobs
See more jobs at All Jobsexternal

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description:

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities: 


Product Design & Engineering Execution

  • Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
  • Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
  • Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
  • Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.


CAD, BOM, and Documentation

  • Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
  • Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
  • Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

  • Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
  • Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
  • Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

  • Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
  • Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

  • Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
  • Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
  • Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
  • Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
  • Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.