Computer-Aided Design Operator Internships
Computer-aided design operator internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working CAD professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Burns & McDonnell among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Computer-Aided Design Operator Internships
Description
Our Drafting Interns are responsible for revising existing drawings and preparing drawings of basic components from explicit verbal or written instructions or detailed sketches. This position successfully plots drawings; learns and follows company and client drafting standards and procedures; learns the practices of a selected discipline. Other duties as assigned.
Opportunities as a Drafting Intern exist in multiple market segments and locations. Specific assignments and project work vary depending on the market segments and locations. Please see below for information on each market:
Oil, Gas & Chemical
The Oil, Gas & Chemical group is responsible for the planning and design across the energy landscape. This includes project execution for midstream, refining, liquefied natural gas and chemicals, with a strong focus on energy security, biofuels, carbon capture, hydrogen and solutions that advance a sustainable energy future.
Transmission & Distribution
The Transmission & Distribution group is responsible for the planning and design of electrical transmission projects in power delivery, including overhead transmission, underground transmission, distribution systems, substation design, telecommunication & network engineering, pipelines, renewable power integration, security, grid modernization and more.
Qualifications
- Pursuit of certificate, Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Computer-Aided Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related degree.
- Currently enrolled, and in good standing, in a post-secondary education and/or technical certificate program in a field related to the work done in the department.
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
- Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
- Actively involved in campus, community or other volunteer activities or organizations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
- Basic knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office programs, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Self-motivated and eager learner, aptitude to grow and develop within the field.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.
Benefits
Interns may participate in our 401(k) retirement program provided plan eligibility requirements are met. Sick leave is accrued based on the actual number of hours worked. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Intern
Primary Location US-TX-Houston
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 264903
Job Hire Type Intern #LI-MW #COR
Description
Our Drafting Interns are responsible for revising existing drawings and preparing drawings of basic components from explicit verbal or written instructions or detailed sketches. This position successfully plots drawings; learns and follows company and client drafting standards and procedures; learns the practices of a selected discipline. Other duties as assigned.
Opportunities as a Drafting Intern exist in multiple market segments and locations. Specific assignments and project work vary depending on the market segments and locations. Please see below for information on each market:
Oil, Gas & Chemical
The Oil, Gas & Chemical group is responsible for the planning and design across the energy landscape. This includes project execution for midstream, refining, liquefied natural gas and chemicals, with a strong focus on energy security, biofuels, carbon capture, hydrogen and solutions that advance a sustainable energy future.
Transmission & Distribution
The Transmission & Distribution group is responsible for the planning and design of electrical transmission projects in power delivery, including overhead transmission, underground transmission, distribution systems, substation design, telecommunication & network engineering, pipelines, renewable power integration, security, grid modernization and more.
Qualifications
- Pursuit of certificate, Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Computer-Aided Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related degree.
- Currently enrolled, and in good standing, in a post-secondary education and/or technical certificate program in a field related to the work done in the department.
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
- Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
- Actively involved in campus, community or other volunteer activities or organizations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
- Basic knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office programs, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Self-motivated and eager learner, aptitude to grow and develop within the field.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.
Benefits
Interns may participate in our 401(k) retirement program provided plan eligibility requirements are met. Sick leave is accrued based on the actual number of hours worked. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Intern
Primary Location US-TX-Houston
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 264903
Job Hire Type Intern #LI-MW #COR
Computer-Aided Design Operator Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Computer-Aided Design Operator Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers open summer internship applications the preceding fall, often closing them before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear throughout the year. Check listings regularly starting in September rather than waiting until spring.
Build a CAD portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams at the intern level look for evidence of ability, not years of employment. Assemble two or three documented projects showing your drafting, 3D modeling, or design work, name the software used in each, and link to the files or a hosted portfolio so recruiters can open and evaluate your work directly.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, since combining both channels widens the pool you can realistically reach.
Practice your technical screen out loud
Computer-aided design operator intern interviews typically include a technical review of your portfolio or a software proficiency exercise where you work through a modeling or drafting problem in real time. Practice narrating your reasoning aloud as you work, since interviewers weigh how you think through a design decision as much as the finished output.
Computer-Aided Design Operator Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a computer-aided design operator internship?
Lead with your CAD portfolio rather than work history. Hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level, so a documented set of drawings, models, or design projects gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Include relevant coursework in your application materials, then combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a computer-aided design operator internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for computer-aided design operator interns is performance on real project deliverables, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position for a return offer by producing clean, accurate work and asking your manager what full-time looks like, without counting on it as a certainty.
When should I apply for computer-aided design operator internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, so September through November is when those applications open and close. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, which means openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single season keeps you ahead of rolling deadlines.
Are computer-aided design operator internships paid?
Most professional computer-aided design operator internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements exist mainly at very small firms or in certain academic settings, but they are the exception rather than the standard for this role.
What should a computer-aided design operator internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete projects, naming the CAD software used, what you designed or modeled, and where the work can be seen, whether that is a portfolio link, a class project file, or a GitHub repository. Add relevant coursework such as drafting, engineering graphics, or solid modeling. Keep the entire document to one page, since hiring teams at the intern level value clarity over length.
Can international students get computer-aided design operator internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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