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Trainee Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Management Trainee

Washington, IN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... mechanical repair, AAR training, NDT training, inspections, estimating, billing, etc. * Learn ... Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or related technical discipline. * Willing to engage ...

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Trainee Mechanical Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$16

$31

$52

How much do trainee mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee mechanical engineer in Indiana is $31.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee mechanical engineer do?

A Trainee Mechanical Engineer assists senior engineers in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices or systems. They typically work on tasks such as drafting technical drawings, conducting research, performing calculations, and supporting project management activities. The role is designed to provide hands-on experience and training, allowing the trainee to learn industry standards, software tools, and engineering processes. Over time, they may take on more responsibility and complex assignments as they gain expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee mechanical engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid educational background in mechanical engineering or a related field, along with a fundamental understanding of engineering principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (like ANSYS), and basic manufacturing processes is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully contributing to engineering projects and adapting to the demands of a dynamic technical environment.

What are some typical projects or tasks a trainee mechanical engineer might work on during their first year?

As a Trainee Mechanical Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of foundational tasks such as assisting with CAD design, supporting prototype development, and conducting basic testing or analysis under supervision. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers, participate in team meetings, and help document project progress. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and understanding of workplace standards, while also giving you the opportunity to contribute to real-world engineering solutions. Over time, you'll gradually take on more responsibility as your experience and confidence grow.

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

AspectTrainee Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in mechanical engineeringBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, often with some experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, entry-level tasks, supervised projectsDesign development, CAD modeling, project planning
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior engineers, learning technical skills, supporting projectsCreating and analyzing mechanical designs, preparing technical drawings

While a Trainee Mechanical Engineer is in the early stages of their career, focusing on learning and supporting projects, a Mechanical Design Engineer is more experienced, responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems. Both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, but the Design Engineer role involves more technical expertise and independent work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Trainee Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Trainee Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Mechanical Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,710 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Summer 2027 Internship (Michigan City, IN)

Michigan City, IN • On-site


Lincoln Electric
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Summer 2027 Internship (Michigan City, IN) 
Location: Michigan City, IN
Target Program Dates: May 25th – August 6th, 2027
Relocation Assistance: While local candidates are preferred, a relocation package is available for Trainees residing more than 50 miles from the program location. 
Req ID: 29931 

Are You the Missing Linc?

Vanair, a Lincoln Electric Company in Michigan City, IN is looking for bright, driven engineering individuals to join our Mechanical Engineering Summer Internship—designed to connect your academic foundation with real-world, hands-on experience. As a participant, you’ll Be the Linc between your education and a future in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and engineering leadership.

What Sets Us Apart
  • LincPal Program: Get paired with a Lincoln Electric employee to guide your experience. 
  • Professional Development: Frequent workshops and leadership exposure. 
  • Networking & Culture: Participate in social events, National Intern Day, and community service. 
  • Career Pathway: Those eligible may be considered for full-time opportunities.
Overview of the Program

Vanair’s Mechanical Engineering Internship offers individuals the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings at locations across the U.S. Participants work on meaningful projects in areas such as automation, manufacturing, R&D, and more, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program includes technical training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities like presentations and leadership-led learning sessions. It’s a great way to build skills, grow your network, and explore a future career in engineering.This position requires participation in our Immersion Day at our Cleveland, OH headquarters during one of your first few weeks. Lincoln Electric will provide and cover all travel arrangements and expenses. 

What You'll Work On
  • Evaluate and redesign 330D tooling to improve line efficiency, ergonomics, repeatability, and station throughput. 
  • Perform time‑motion studies, benchmark station layouts, and measure cycle‑time improvements. 
  • Create CAD updates to tooling and run FEA checks when applicable. 
  • Prototype tooling modifications using 3D printing or laser‑cut parts and validate improvements. 
  • Support solar testing by setting up solar simulators or outdoor rigs and running controlled test sequences. 
  • Instrument devices for voltage, current, and temperature logging and analyze energy‑harvesting performance. 
  • Assist with 12V reciprocating compressor testing, including teardown, tolerance measurements, and performance curve characterization. 
  • Set up test benches with pressure transducers, tachometers, and thermocouples and conduct NVH baseline measurements. 
  • Participate in high‑current jumpstarting software reviews, analyzing protection logic, thermal effects, and current pathways. 
  • Create block diagrams, perform failure‑mode analysis, and support bench testing for system safety validation.
Basic Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing or having already achieved a bachelor's degree in engineering 
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time, permanent basis without sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications
  • A Mechanical Engineering degree 
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 
  • Interest in working in a manufacturing environment 
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.



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