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Trainee Design Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Upon successful completion of the 12-month Engineering rotation, the candidate will be placed in a Designer/Design Engineer Trainee position that meets the candidate's career aspirations along with ...

Upon successful completion of the 12-month Engineering rotation, the candidate will be placed in a Designer/Design Engineer Trainee position that meets the candidate's career aspirations along with ...

Structural Project Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$78.70K - $105.20K/yr

... the trainee on best practices and techniques to collaborate with the General Manager, Engineering Manager, Project Managers and Engineering Technicians throughout the design process. The training ...

The position will require working with engineering and production personnel during the ... Know and apply the operating principles, purpose, proper application, and design limitations of ...

The position will require working with engineering and production personnel during the ... Know and apply the operating principles, purpose, proper application, and design limitations of ...

Structural Project Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$78.70K - $105.20K/yr

... the trainee on best practices and techniques to collaborate with the General Manager, Engineering Manager, Project Managers and Engineering Technicians throughout the design process. The training ...

Highway Engineer

Vincennes, IN · On-site

$75.01K/yr

Engineer Trainee: A Professional Engineering license is not required for this position. Candidates ... Design and Research: Assist in the development of programs, research development & technology plans ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trainee Design Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$29K

$65.3K

$109.9K

How much do trainee design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee design engineer in Indiana is $65,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics and physics, and usually a relevant engineering degree or pursuing one. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) and basic knowledge of industry standards and design processes are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and learn quickly in a team environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate designs, meeting project requirements, and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What kinds of projects and tasks can a Trainee Design Engineer expect to work on in the early stages of their career?

As a Trainee Design Engineer, you'll typically assist with creating and modifying CAD drawings, supporting senior engineers on design calculations, and participating in team meetings to discuss project requirements. Early on, you may contribute to prototype development, perform basic testing, and help prepare documentation needed for client presentations or regulatory submissions. You'll also gain exposure to industry-standard software and best practices, setting a foundation for more complex design responsibilities as you progress. Collaboration with other engineers and departments is common, helping you build both technical and communication skills.

What does a Trainee Design Engineer do?

A Trainee Design Engineer assists in creating and developing engineering designs for products, systems, or structures under the supervision of senior engineers. Their tasks often include using CAD software to draft plans, conducting research, preparing documentation, and collaborating with other team members on design projects. The role is aimed at recent graduates or those new to engineering, providing them with practical experience and training to build their technical skills and understanding of engineering processes.

What is the difference between Trainee Design Engineer vs Junior Design Engineer?

AspectTrainee Design EngineerJunior Design Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degreeCompleted degree in engineering or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSome practical experience or internships
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design tasks under supervisionExecuting design tasks with moderate independence
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, mentorship-focusedActive project involvement in engineering teams

In summary, a Trainee Design Engineer is usually at the beginning of their career, focusing on learning and assisting, while a Junior Design Engineer has more practical experience and takes on more independent design responsibilities within engineering projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Trainee Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Trainee Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee Design Engineer job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,293 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
Designer - Design Engineer Trainee

Designer - Design Engineer Trainee

NIBCO

Elkhart, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


NIBCO rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

NIBCO is a recognized leader in the flow control industry.  Headquartered in Northern Indiana, with a manufacturing history that spans over a century, NIBCO operates manufacturing facilities across the United States, as well as Mexico and Poland.  NIBCO is known by our customers for exceptional quality, commitment to on-time delivery, and outstanding product innovation.  Setting us apart from our competitors is our people.

If you're looking for a place where your hard work and great ideas make a difference--NIBCO is the place for you.

POSITION INFO:

16-month training program that is broke out into two phases - 


The first phase of the trainee program, you will go through a 4 (four) month training program in which the Engineering Trainee will learn NIBCO products, customers, manufacturing, distribution methods, and an introduction to Engineering, you will then join the Engineering department. 


Upon completion of the training program, the candidate will transition into the second phase of the program, you will go through 12-month rotation with the Engineering team.
Upon successful completion of the 12-month Engineering rotation, the candidate will be placed in a Designer/Design Engineer Trainee position that meets the candidate's career aspirations along with supporting the needs of the Engineering department at NIBCO.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

   Participate in structured training program.
   Visit NIBCO manufacturing locations and give presentations on what was learned during these visits.
   Spend time job shadowing associates experienced in Engineering roles.
   Give final presentations and complete a final test drawing upon the lessons, knowledge, and skills learned.
   CAD experience in modeling and finite element analysis (FEA)
   Effective verbal and written communications
   Experience working independently or in a project team environment.

EXPERIENCE:

Entry level position but experience within a manufacturing environment is desirable.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline or technology is required (Mechanical preferred). technical certificates in design technology a plus.

TRAINING AND SKILLS:

- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and detailed drawing creation; Siemens NX preferred.
- Ability to read and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Strong understanding of general manufacturing technologies and processes.
- Ability to interpret and apply mathematical concepts to analyze data and solve problems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate and effective documentation.
- Strong organizational, timemanagement, and changemanagement skills.
- Proficiency with PLM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Detailoriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Travel up to 10% may be required for manufacturing or supplier visits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to travel.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

NIBCO is committed to equal opportunity employment.  It is the policy of NIBCO to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


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