Computer-Aided Design Specialist Internships
Computer-aided design specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working CAD engineers and designers, 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 Specialist 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 Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Computer-Aided Design Specialist Internship Search
Apply months before the start date
Large employers in aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering recruit summer CAD interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before January. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Check listings in September and October for summer roles, and revisit monthly for openings at smaller firms.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for CAD intern roles want to see your work, not just read about it. Document two or three projects with the software you used, the design problem you solved, and screenshots or files of the output. A linked portfolio with 3D models, technical drawings, or assembly designs gives recruiters something to assess before the first conversation.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured CAD and engineering internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Your professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice your technical screen out loud
CAD intern interviews often include a technical screen where you walk through a design problem, explain your modeling approach, or demonstrate software proficiency on the spot. Practice explaining your reasoning aloud, since interviewers weigh how you think through a design decision as much as the final drawing or model you produce.
Computer-Aided Design Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a computer-aided design specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A CAD portfolio, with documented drawings, 3D models, or design files, gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a computer-aided design specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For CAD interns, what drives it most is the quality of your design deliverables, how well you work within the engineering or product team, and whether headcount exists when the return-offer decision is made. Perform well on real project work and express interest early, without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for computer-aided design specialist internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers, particularly in aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering services, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often wrapping up their cohorts by November or December. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Watching listings continuously rather than in one burst gives you the widest window.
Are computer-aided design specialist internships paid?
Most professional computer-aided design specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer discloses it. Unpaid arrangements are uncommon outside of academic credit situations, and many structured engineering and manufacturing programs offer competitive compensation to attract candidates with strong technical skills.
What should a computer-aided design specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the CAD software used, the design problem you solved, and where to see the work, ideally a linked portfolio with drawing files, renderings, or model screenshots. Add relevant coursework in engineering graphics, mechanical design, or drafting. Keep it to one page.
Can international students get computer-aided design specialist 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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