How to Be Mechanical Design Technician Intern - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The demand for Mechanical Design Technician Interns is on the rise due to the increasing demand for specialized machinery and equipment. This has caused a surge in the number of businesses seeking skilled professionals to help design and implement complex systems. As a result, companies are now seeking interns to help fill these roles and provide valuable insight and experience.

The internships provide an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical skills and knowledge in mechanical engineering, while also allowing them to develop an understanding of the industry. This, in turn, can open up many potential career paths, from traditional engineering roles to more specialized positions such as 3D printing or robotics.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. In order to become a Mechanical Design Technician Intern, most employers require that applicants possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider enrolling in a postsecondary program. While a postsecondary degree is not always required in order to become a Mechanical Design Technician Intern, it can be beneficial. Pursuing a college degree or certificate in engineering technology, industrial design, or mechanical engineering can provide aspiring Mechanical Design Technician Interns with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.
Gain experience through an internship. Many employers prefer Mechanical Design Technician Interns to have some prior experience in the field. Pursuing an internship with a local engineering firm or design company is a great way to gain the necessary skills and experience to be successful in this role.
Apply for open positions. After gaining the necessary experience and education, applicants can begin applying for open positions as a Mechanical Design Technician Intern. This can be done by searching online job boards, as well as through networking and attending job fairs.
Complete on-the-job training. Once hired, Mechanical Design Technician Interns will need to complete on-the-job training. This may include learning how to use software programs, such as CAD and CAM, as well as how to use various tools and equipment.

The successful recruitment of a Mechanical Design Technician Intern is dependent on finding a reliable and qualified candidate. Properly vetting applicants is essential to ensure the desired skills and experience are present. Adequate job descriptions should be created to clearly outline the duties and expectations of the role.

utilizing online job postings to reach a larger pool of applicants can help to find the right fit. Furthermore, conducting comprehensive interviews and referencing past experiences of the candidate can provide an indication of their qualifications and reliability. taking the time to properly evaluate potential employees is key to finding a reliable and qualified Mechanical Design Technician Intern.

You may want to check Mechanical Product Designer, Mechanical Systems Engineer, and Mechanical Design Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop 3D CAD models of mechanical components and assemblies
Assist in the design, development and testing of mechanical systems
Create detailed drawings of parts and assemblies using SolidWorks
Provide technical support and engineering assistance to engineers
Assist in the development of prototypes and manufacturing processes
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) on complex components
Create technical documentation such as bills of materials, assembly instructions, and design specifications
Prepare technical reports outlining design results and recommendations
Research new technologies, materials, and processes to improve product design
Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to project teams

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, etc).
Proficient in technical drawings and schematics.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Knowledge of mechanical components and assemblies.
Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.
Analytical and problem solving skills.
Good communication and collaboration skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Having a strong background in mechanical design is essential for any Mechanical Design Technician Intern. This knowledge includes understanding the principles of engineering and physics, as well as being able to read and interpret technical drawings. Working with CAD software is also a must, as it is used to create models and designs that can be used in the manufacturing process.

Having the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems is also highly desirable, as it allows the intern to quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise during the design process. With all of these skills in hand, a Mechanical Design Technician Intern can use their knowledge to create innovative products that meet the needs of their employer.

Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Equipment Engineer, and Mechanical Component Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of mechanical design?
What techniques have you used to develop successful designs?
Describe a project you have worked on that involved mechanical design.
How would you go about troubleshooting a mechanical design issue?
What CAD software have you used in the past?
How comfortable are you working with 3D modeling software?
How do you stay up to date on industry best practices for mechanical design?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in your designs?
Describe your experience working with other team members to complete a project.
How do you manage deadlines and prioritize tasks?

Common Tools in Industry

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software. This software allows for the creation of 3D models and designs, which can be used to create plans for mechanical components. (eg: AutoCAD)
SolidWorks. This software is used to create 3D models and designs, simulate product performance, and create 2D drawings. (eg: SolidWorks)
Engineering Calculation Software. This software is used to perform calculations for the design and analysis of mechanical components. (eg: Mathcad)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software. This software is used to test the strength and performance of components under real-world conditions. (eg: Ansys)
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Software. This software is used to convert 3D models into manufacturing instructions. (eg: Mastercam)
3D Printing Software. This software is used to prepare 3D models for printing on 3D printers. (eg: Cura)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Robotics Industries Association (RIA)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
American Welding Society (AWS)

We also have Mechanical Manufacturing Technician, Mechanical Parts Engineer, and Mechanical Test Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CAD (Computer-Aided Design). A computer program used to create two and three-dimensional models, schematics, and technical drawings.
BOM (Bill of Materials). A list of the parts and components needed to assemble a product.
FEA (Finite Element Analysis). A computer-aided engineering technique used to simulate the behavior of a physical system, such as a mechanical part or assembly.
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). A set of symbols and conventions that define the size, shape, orientation, and other geometric characteristics of a part or assembly.
Kinematics. The study of motion without considering the forces that cause it.
Tolerance. The allowable deviation in a particular dimension or feature of a part or assembly.
Prototyping. The process of constructing a physical model of a product or assembly.
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). A system used to manage all aspects of a product's lifecycle, from conception to retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are required for a Mechanical Design Technician Intern?

Mechanical Design Technician Interns should have strong knowledge of CAD software, computer-aided design, and mechanical engineering fundamentals. They should also be proficient in mathematics, be able to read and interpret engineering drawings, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

What type of tasks will a Mechanical Design Technician Intern be expected to complete?

A Mechanical Design Technician Intern will typically work with engineers to develop mechanical designs and analyze the performance of mechanical systems. They may also be responsible for creating CAD models and drawings, designing prototypes, conducting tests, and analyzing results.

What is the average salary of a Mechanical Design Technician Intern?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Mechanical Design Technician Intern is $18.50 per hour.

How many hours per week does a Mechanical Design Technician Intern usually work?

Mechanical Design Technician Interns typically work 40 hours per week, but this may vary depending on the company's needs.

What educational background is required for a Mechanical Design Technician Internship?

Most Mechanical Design Technician Internships require the candidate to have a minimum of an associate's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require candidates to have experience with CAD software or other related skills.

Web Resources

Mechanical Design Technology | Gateway Technical College - GTC www.gtc.edu
Mechanical Technician Design/Drafting Intern Hybrid Summer careercenter.bauer.uh.edu
Mechanical Design Technology - Lake Washington www.lwtech.edu