Computer Aided Design Technician Internships
Computer aided design technician internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience developing technical drawings and production-ready designs, mentorship from working CAD technicians, 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 Technician 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 Technician Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Computer Aided Design Technician Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large manufacturers, engineering firms, and design consultancies recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before January. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so roles appear year-round. Map out your target employers early and check their careers pages regularly rather than waiting for a single annual push.
Build a CAD portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for computer aided design technician interns expect limited work history and assess candidates on project evidence instead. Compile two or three complete technical drawings, 3D models, or design files that show the software you used and the design problem you solved. A linked portfolio or shared file repository gives recruiters something concrete to evaluate before an interview.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster than through online-only pipelines. Professors with industry connections and your career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller companies running their own cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice the technical screen out loud before you apply
Computer aided design technician intern interviews typically include a technical review of your portfolio, questions on drafting standards and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and sometimes a short design exercise. Practice talking through your project decisions out loud, explaining your software choices and how you resolved design constraints, since interviewers weigh your reasoning as much as the finished drawing.
Computer Aided Design Technician Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a computer aided design technician internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A CAD portfolio showing completed technical 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 technician 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 technician interns is performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and how early the conversation about returning starts. Position yourself by delivering consistently and expressing interest directly, without counting on an offer until it is made.
When should I apply for computer aided design technician internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers, particularly in manufacturing and engineering, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often wrapping up hiring by November or December. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss roles that open and fill quickly outside the main recruiting season.
Are computer aided design technician internships paid?
Most professional computer aided design technician internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it. Unpaid arrangements are uncommon in professional technical roles but can appear at smaller firms or through academic credit agreements, so read each posting carefully.
What should a computer aided design technician internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the CAD software used, what you designed or modeled, and where the work can be seen, such as a linked portfolio or file repository showing technical drawings and 3D models. Add relevant coursework, any drafting or design certifications, and keep the resume to one page.
Can international students get computer aided design technician 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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