Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Engineering Intern jobs in Illinois concentrate in manufacturing, energy, transportation infrastructure, and technology, with demand at every level from first-year undergraduates to students completing capstone programs. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor the bulk of hiring, and established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Boeing consistently bring on engineering interns across disciplines. Civil, mechanical, and electrical are the most in-demand specialties, though software and environmental engineering internships have grown steadily alongside Illinois's expanding clean energy and logistics sectors. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 187+ Engineering Intern jobs
Location: Mundelein, Illinois
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Program start: Tuesday, May 25, 2027, with limited flexibility for academic calendars
Duration: 10 weeks, with the possibility of extending up to 2 additional weeks based on business needs and intern availability
Schedule: Full time, on site
Build Something That Matters This Summer
As an Engineering Intern at MacLean-Fogg, you will apply what you are learning in the classroom to real manufacturing challenges. You will work alongside engineers, operators, quality professionals, and maintenance teams to understand how products are made and help improve the products and processes behind them.
You will take ownership of a meaningful engineering project with guidance from an experienced team. Depending on your assignment, you might investigate a quality issue, reduce scrap, improve a process, support automation, develop a design, or evaluate material performance. At the end of the program, you will present your project, results, and recommendations to facility leadership.
One application connects you with the engineering internship opportunities available at this manufacturing facility. Tell us which areas interest you in the application. We will consider your interests, skills, and experience alongside available projects and business needs.
Engineering Areas You Could Explore
Assignments vary by manufacturing facility and may include:
Manufacturing and Process Engineering: Improve production methods, equipment layouts, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.
Quality Engineering: Analyze defects, investigate root causes, support measurement and testing, and help improve product and process quality.
Continuous Improvement and Lean: Study workflows, reduce waste, and help teams improve productivity through methods such as 5S, standard work, and process mapping.
Automation and Controls: Support projects involving automated equipment, sensors, robotics, or process controls.
Product and Design Engineering: Support product development, CAD modeling, design improvements, prototyping, or testing.
Materials Engineering and Metallurgy: Evaluate material properties, investigate material-related issues, and support testing or improvements to material processing.
Not every area is available at every location. Your internship will focus on an assigned project or area; experience in all six areas is not expected.
What You Will Do
Learn the facility's safety practices and follow required procedures while working in office and manufacturing areas.
Work with experienced team members to understand a problem, define a project, and develop practical solutions.
Collect and analyze engineering or production data to identify opportunities and measure results.
Use tools and methods relevant to your assignment, which may include CAD, testing equipment, data analysis, root cause analysis, or lean manufacturing techniques.
Contribute to improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, or product performance.
Document your work, communicate progress, and incorporate feedback from your team.
Present your capstone project, findings, and recommendations to facility leadership.
What You Will Gain
Hands-on experience applying engineering concepts in a manufacturing environment.
Guidance and feedback from experienced engineers and manufacturing professionals.
Practice managing a project, solving problems with data, and collaborating across functions.
Experience explaining technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
A clearer understanding of engineering career paths and the work you enjoy.
What We Are Looking For
Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a closely related field. Relevant disciplines include mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, electrical, and materials engineering.
Interest in applying engineering skills to manufacturing challenges.
Willingness to work with data, learn new tools, and ask questions.
A collaborative approach and respect for the experience of the people who operate and support production equipment.
Ability to organize your work, communicate progress, and take ownership of a project with guidance.
Availability to work full time and on site at this manufacturing facility for the full 10-week program. Limited start-date flexibility may be available for academic calendars.
Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future. MacLean-Fogg does not offer employment visa sponsorship for this position.
Students at all college class levels are welcome to apply. Previous internship experience is not required.
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications are helpful, but not required. We consider evidence from coursework, class projects, student organizations, and paid or volunteer work.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Hands-on technical projects through engineering clubs, Formula SAE, Advanced Snowmobile, robotics, design teams, makerspaces, or labs.
Experience analyzing data with Excel, Minitab, Power BI, or similar tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo, for assignments involving design work.
Exposure to quality methods, lean manufacturing, automation, materials testing, or other tools relevant to your interests.
Previous manufacturing, production, shop, internship, or co-op experience.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical demands below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sit at a workstation and use a computer for extended periods.
Move throughout manufacturing areas to observe equipment, processes, and production activities.
Occasionally lift and carry tools, samples, or parts weighing up to 30 pounds.
Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when observing equipment or components.
Review drawings, gauges, measurement equipment, and other visual information.
Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
Work in office and manufacturing environments where noise, temperature variation, and airborne particulates may be present.
What to Expect After Applying
Our hiring process includes an application, Criteria assessments, application and assessment review, a recruiter screen, and a 45-minute interview with the hiring team. Candidates selected for an offer receive a conditional offer followed by required pre-employment screening before hire.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screen after a conditional offer. Screening and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.
About MacLean-Fogg
MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.
Our portfolio includes MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Safety, Integrity, People, Excellence, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact careers@macleanfogg.com.
Location: Mundelein, Illinois
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Program start: Tuesday, May 25, 2027, with limited flexibility for academic calendars
Duration: 10 weeks, with the possibility of extending up to 2 additional weeks based on business needs and intern availability
Schedule: Full time, on site
Build Something That Matters This Summer
As an Engineering Intern at MacLean-Fogg, you will apply what you are learning in the classroom to real manufacturing challenges. You will work alongside engineers, operators, quality professionals, and maintenance teams to understand how products are made and help improve the products and processes behind them.
You will take ownership of a meaningful engineering project with guidance from an experienced team. Depending on your assignment, you might investigate a quality issue, reduce scrap, improve a process, support automation, develop a design, or evaluate material performance. At the end of the program, you will present your project, results, and recommendations to facility leadership.
One application connects you with the engineering internship opportunities available at this manufacturing facility. Tell us which areas interest you in the application. We will consider your interests, skills, and experience alongside available projects and business needs.
Engineering Areas You Could Explore
Assignments vary by manufacturing facility and may include:
Manufacturing and Process Engineering: Improve production methods, equipment layouts, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.
Quality Engineering: Analyze defects, investigate root causes, support measurement and testing, and help improve product and process quality.
Continuous Improvement and Lean: Study workflows, reduce waste, and help teams improve productivity through methods such as 5S, standard work, and process mapping.
Automation and Controls: Support projects involving automated equipment, sensors, robotics, or process controls.
Product and Design Engineering: Support product development, CAD modeling, design improvements, prototyping, or testing.
Materials Engineering and Metallurgy: Evaluate material properties, investigate material-related issues, and support testing or improvements to material processing.
Not every area is available at every location. Your internship will focus on an assigned project or area; experience in all six areas is not expected.
What You Will Do
Learn the facility's safety practices and follow required procedures while working in office and manufacturing areas.
Work with experienced team members to understand a problem, define a project, and develop practical solutions.
Collect and analyze engineering or production data to identify opportunities and measure results.
Use tools and methods relevant to your assignment, which may include CAD, testing equipment, data analysis, root cause analysis, or lean manufacturing techniques.
Contribute to improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, or product performance.
Document your work, communicate progress, and incorporate feedback from your team.
Present your capstone project, findings, and recommendations to facility leadership.
What You Will Gain
Hands-on experience applying engineering concepts in a manufacturing environment.
Guidance and feedback from experienced engineers and manufacturing professionals.
Practice managing a project, solving problems with data, and collaborating across functions.
Experience explaining technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
A clearer understanding of engineering career paths and the work you enjoy.
What We Are Looking For
Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a closely related field. Relevant disciplines include mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, electrical, and materials engineering.
Interest in applying engineering skills to manufacturing challenges.
Willingness to work with data, learn new tools, and ask questions.
A collaborative approach and respect for the experience of the people who operate and support production equipment.
Ability to organize your work, communicate progress, and take ownership of a project with guidance.
Availability to work full time and on site at this manufacturing facility for the full 10-week program. Limited start-date flexibility may be available for academic calendars.
Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future. MacLean-Fogg does not offer employment visa sponsorship for this position.
Students at all college class levels are welcome to apply. Previous internship experience is not required.
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications are helpful, but not required. We consider evidence from coursework, class projects, student organizations, and paid or volunteer work.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Hands-on technical projects through engineering clubs, Formula SAE, Advanced Snowmobile, robotics, design teams, makerspaces, or labs.
Experience analyzing data with Excel, Minitab, Power BI, or similar tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo, for assignments involving design work.
Exposure to quality methods, lean manufacturing, automation, materials testing, or other tools relevant to your interests.
Previous manufacturing, production, shop, internship, or co-op experience.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical demands below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sit at a workstation and use a computer for extended periods.
Move throughout manufacturing areas to observe equipment, processes, and production activities.
Occasionally lift and carry tools, samples, or parts weighing up to 30 pounds.
Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when observing equipment or components.
Review drawings, gauges, measurement equipment, and other visual information.
Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
Work in office and manufacturing environments where noise, temperature variation, and airborne particulates may be present.
What to Expect After Applying
Our hiring process includes an application, Criteria assessments, application and assessment review, a recruiter screen, and a 45-minute interview with the hiring team. Candidates selected for an offer receive a conditional offer followed by required pre-employment screening before hire.
This position requires a pre-employment drug screen after a conditional offer. Screening and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.
About MacLean-Fogg
MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.
Our portfolio includes MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Safety, Integrity, People, Excellence, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact careers@macleanfogg.com.
See All 187+ Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Intern JobsEngineering Intern Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Intern Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Shure19
- State of Illinois11
- Burns & McDonnell10
- Baxter & Woodman9
- Progress Rail8
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Electronics & Hardware
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering intern jobs across Illinois.
- Current enrollment in an accredited engineering degree program at an Illinois or recognized university
- Completed coursework in core engineering fundamentals relevant to the specific discipline
- Proficiency with engineering software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, or equivalent tools
- Ability to work on-site at Illinois facilities, plants, or field locations as required
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
- GPA of 3.0 or above on a four-point scale, as required by many Illinois employers
Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering intern in Illinois?
Becoming an engineering intern in Illinois starts with enrollment in an ABET-accredited engineering program at a university such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Tech, or Northwestern. Illinois does not require a state license for internship work, but candidates pursuing civil or structural engineering should be aware that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees Professional Engineer licensure, and beginning the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Which companies hire engineering interns in Illinois?
Employers hiring engineering interns in Illinois right now include Shure, State of Illinois, and Burns & McDonnell, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of manufacturing headquarters, national laboratories such as Argonne, and major infrastructure firms means intern roles appear across a wide range of engineering disciplines throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most engineering intern jobs?
The cities with the most engineering intern openings in Illinois are Chicago, Niles, and Darien. Chicago dominates due to its density of corporate headquarters, engineering consultancies, and technology firms, while Peoria reflects Caterpillar's global operations and supplier network, and Rockford draws from its strong aerospace and precision manufacturing base.
Are there remote engineering intern jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 60% of engineering intern openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on, lab-based, or plant-floor nature of most engineering internship work. The roles most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are in software engineering, data analysis, and systems design rather than civil, mechanical, or manufacturing disciplines.
How can I get hired as a engineering intern in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to structured intern programs at large Illinois employers before completing your junior year. Caterpillar, Abbott, and Exelon all run rotational intern cohorts that explicitly target students with no prior industry experience. Building a portfolio of class projects, participating in engineering competitions through Illinois university chapters of ASME or IEEE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early all give candidates a measurable edge when applying to those competitive programs.
Where can I find and apply to engineering intern jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to engineering intern jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your discipline and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background and availability.
See All 187+ Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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