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Prototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... Intern and gain hands-on experience creating web applications that support business operations. Work alongside experienced designers and developers to understand employee needs, develop prototypes ...

... Intern and gain hands-on experience creating web applications that support business operations. Work alongside experienced designers and developers to understand employee needs, develop prototypes ...

... intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation. Examples of Projects: * New product development; concept/prototype work. * Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality ...

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Prototype Engineer Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do prototype engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer intern in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prototype engineer intern do?

A Prototype Engineer Intern assists in designing, building, and testing early versions of products or components. They work closely with engineering teams to turn concepts into physical models, often using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and hand tools. Their role may involve troubleshooting, documenting results, and suggesting improvements based on testing. This internship provides hands-on experience in the product development process and helps interns develop practical engineering skills.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a prototype engineer intern expect during their internship?

As a Prototype Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on hands-on projects that may include designing, building, and testing prototypes for new products or features. You'll likely collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and sometimes manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life quickly. Typical responsibilities include CAD modeling, assembling physical prototypes, running experiments, and documenting results. This role often requires adaptability and problem-solving, as you'll need to iterate designs based on feedback and test outcomes. It's a great opportunity to gain experience with rapid prototyping tools and processes while working in a collaborative, innovative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Engineer Intern, you need a solid background in engineering fundamentals, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototyping processes, typically supported by coursework in mechanical or electrical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), 3D printing technology, and basic laboratory or workshop tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns excel in collaborative and fast-paced development environments. These skills are crucial for efficiently transforming design concepts into functional prototypes that support innovation and product development.

What is the difference between Prototype Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectPrototype Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering programsEnrolled in Mechanical Engineering or related programs
Work EnvironmentHands-on prototyping, product development labs, manufacturing settingsDesign, analysis, testing in labs or office settings
Industry UsageProduct design, hardware development, R&D teamsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing teams

Prototype Engineer Interns focus on creating and testing physical prototypes, often working closely with hardware and manufacturing teams. Mechanical Engineering Interns typically engage in design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering knowledge and may overlap in industry settings, Prototype Engineer Interns are more hands-on with prototyping processes, whereas Mechanical Engineering Interns may have broader design responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Prototype Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Prototype Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Internship. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Summer 2027 Internship - Mechanical Engineering - Illinois

Stryker

Cary, IL • On-site

$35/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Stryker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

What You Get Out of the Internship

At Stryker, we believe that developing the next generation of talent is just as important as developing life-changing medical technologies. As an intern, you won’t just observe — you’ll contribute to meaningful projects, gain exposure to leaders who will mentor you, and experience a culture of innovation and teamwork that is shaping the future of healthcare. As an intern, you will:

  • Apply classroom knowledge and gain experience in a fast-paced and growing industry setting
  • Implement new ideas, be constantly challenged, and develop your skills
  • Network with key/high-level stakeholders and leaders of the business
  • Be a part of an innovative team and culture
  • Experience documenting complex processes and presenting them in a clear format

Who we want

Challengers. People who seek out the hard projects and work to find just the right solutions.

Teammates. Partners who listen to ideas, share thoughts and work together to move the business forward.

Charismatic networkers. Relationship-savvy people who intentionally make connections with both internal partners and external contacts.

Strategic thinkers. Interns who propose innovative ideas and consistently exceed their performance objectives.

Customer-oriented achievers. Individuals with an unparalleled work ethic and customer-focused attitude who bring value to their partnerships.

Game changers. Persistent interns who will stop at nothing to live out Stryker’s mission to make healthcare better.

Opportunities Available

As a Mechanical Engineering intern at Stryker, you will be placed in one of the following teams:

Research & Development

New Product Development

R&D interns in New Product Development work with cross-functional teams to identify the needs and the goals of future products. They research new technologies, customer expectations, business requirements and regulations. They may work with a variety of tools, including CAD, FEA, and our Test Labs to develop new product concepts. These interns utilize their technical education to design new products and drive them from concept to production.

Product Engineering

R&D interns in Product Engineering work with cross-functional teams to identify the greatest needs for improvements on current products. They research new technologies, customer feedback, and product performance data to make our products better for Stryker and for our customers. Product Engineering interns work with a variety of tools, including CAD, FEA, Test Labs, and root cause analysis methods. These interns utilize their technical education to improve the safety and efficacy of our existing products.

Test Lab

Test interns partner closely with Test Engineers and R&D to experiment with early prototypes and vet out product designs throughout the design process. What this really means is that we get to be the Mythbusters of our division. You think your design can last the entire expected service life? We put it to the test. Just like the show, we quickly design and build fixtures to simulate real life situations. In addition to these experiments, we are ultimately responsible for design verification – the quantitative testing of the technical specifications of the product. A team’s experience ranges from 2 to over 15 years with technical specialties ranging from sterilization, mechanical, electrical, software, and optics. If you’re the type of person that has the magic ability to break things – we want you!

Majors Targeted: Mechanical Engineering, or related majors

$20 min hourly wage – $35 max hourly wage, sign-on bonus, 11 paid holidays annually, and either paid corporate housing or a living stipend, dependent upon hiring location

What You Need

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field; must remain enrolled in a degree-seeking program after the internship.
  • Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (verified at time of hire)
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and not require employment-based sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to collaborate and build relationships
  • Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and eagerness to learn in a dynamic environment.

Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. Alongside its customers around the world, Stryker impacts more than 150 million patients annually.


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