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Prototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Naperville, IL

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Access to advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including a CNC mill, cobot, and a ...

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Access to advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including a CNC mill, cobot, and a ...

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Prototype Engineer Intern information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do prototype engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer intern in Naperville, IL is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Prototype Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Prototype Engineer Intern job openings:

Electronics Technician Intern

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other cutting-edge undersea technology. This is a hands-on role for students in electronics, electromechanical technology, mechatronics, or related technical programs who want real experience with PCB assembly, test setups, troubleshooting, and field deployment. You'll work closely with experienced engineers and technicians, receive training, and contribute to products used in defense, offshore energy, and oceanographic research. Many of our past interns have gone on to join OceanComm full-time, and if you perform well, you will be considered for a full-time role after graduation.
About Us
Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. We brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1000 times faster. Legacy modems were basically status/command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback, a game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, our modems use sound waves to communicate.
What You Will Do
  • Help ramp up manufacturing of our modems and ensure quality through testing
  • Design, build, and script semi-automated test setups
  • Build and troubleshoot printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), proprietary sensors and other electro-mechanical hardware
  • Help integrate our modems into undersea drones and other cutting-edge maritime systems and test the integrated systems at-sea
  • Design and machine mounts and housings using CAD/CAM software and a CNC mill
  • Handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
  • Be an active participant in continuous improvement activities, provide feedback on ways we can improve our manufacturing operations
  • Help build a positive and collaborative team culture that promotes product knowledge and skills development
  • Keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe for yourself and your colleagues

Requirements
  • Progress towards an associate degree in Electronics, Electromechanical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, with an emphasis on micro-electronics
  • Hands-on experience through coursework, projects, or work in electronics assembly, soldering, and use of basic electrical test equipment
  • Willingness to learn and expand your skillset in surface mount soldering and rework, PCBA troubleshooting, machining, and computer scripts
  • Willing to travel up to 20% of the time
  • Ability to work on a boat to deploy and operate modems at-sea
  • Ability to lift 35 lbs regularly
  • U.S. Person

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience in surface mount soldering and rework
  • Experience troubleshooting PCBAs using standard electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and digital multimeters
  • Experience with computer-aided design, 3D printing, and/or machining
  • Experience developing computer scripts, for example, to interface with lab equipment or automate tests
  • Experience reworking BGAs
  • Experience working with electrical systems up to 400 VDC
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex PCB schematics, mechanical drawings, equipment specs and test procedures

Benefits
  • Close mentorship and continuous professional training
  • Flexible work schedule with core hours
  • Access to advanced prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including a CNC mill, cobot, and a range of 3D printers

Compensation
The pay range for this position is $22-$30 per hour. Actual pay will depend on the candidate's experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations.
OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.