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Prototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

KOSTAL

Systems Engineering Intern

Troy, MI · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

The intern will support systems-level engineering activities with an emphasis on hardware ... Willingness to work hands-on with electronic hardware, engineering benches, prototypes, test ...

KOSTAL Group

Systems Engineering Intern

Troy, MI · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

The intern will support systems-level engineering activities with an emphasis on hardware ... Willingness to work hands-on with electronic hardware, engineering benches, prototypes, test ...

Roush

CAE Engineering Intern - Fall 2026

Livonia, MI

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the ... The CAE Intern is a broad role that offers you the opportunity to work on a variety of engineering ...

ROUSH

CAE Engineering Intern - Fall 2026

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype, and manufacturing services to the ... The CAE Intern is a broad role that offers you the opportunity to work on a variety of engineering ...

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All JobsPrototype Engineer Intern JobsPrototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Detroit, MI

Prototype Engineer Intern information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$8

$16

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How much do prototype engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer intern in Detroit, MI is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.04 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 Detroit, MI?

For Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Prototype Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Prototype Engineer Intern job openings:

Prototype Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer Intern job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,080 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Product Engineering Intern

East Penn Manufacturing - Deka Batteries

Ann Arbor, MI

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems’ Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In SEVEN remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.

At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial customers and U.S. Government/military customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.


Navitas is ready to invest in you! We are currently seeking a Product Engineering Intern to join our team for a Fall 2026 internship. We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Product Engineering Intern to support the development and manufacturing of advanced lithium-ion battery systems. This role provides hands-on experience in product design, validation, manufacturing support, and cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced battery manufacturing environment. The intern will work closely with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to help improve product performance, reliability, and scalability.***Candidate must be lawful permanent resident or US Citizen and be able to work on site in Ann Arbor, MI


  • Support design, validation, and release of lithium-ion battery modules and pack components
  • Assist in conducting performance testing, validation testing, and failure analysis of battery cells and systems
  • Analyze test data using tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or Python to identify trends and recommend improvements
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to resolve production issues and implement process improvements
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawings, test plans, and reports
  • Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action initiatives
  • Support prototype builds and pilot production runs
  • Assist in DFMEA, PFMEA, and design reviews
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards related to lithium-ion battery systems

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Must be a US Citizen or be a valid green card holder
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Basic understanding of lithium-ion battery fundamentals (electrochemistry, thermal management, BMS concepts)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) preferred
  • Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) is a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work on-site in Ann Arbor, MI

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the candidate will:

  • Gain hands-on experience in lithium-ion battery product development and manufacturing
  • Develop skills in cross-functional engineering collaboration
  • Understand the full product lifecycle from prototype to production
  • Build technical competency in battery performance validation and root cause analysis

Apply