Design Engineer Intern

Dimensional Innovations; Shawnee (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Dimensional Innovations is seeking Design Engineer Interns to join our Kansas City area engineering team for real client projects. You will work on turning concepts into buildable solutions using SolidWorks, Rhino and other CAD tools, while learning through hands-on fabrication processes.

You’ll read production drawings, create 3D models, and collaborate with Design, Production, Technology and Project Management to move designs from screen to shop floor.

Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling/CAD software preferred.
• Familiarity with Rhino and/or Grasshopper is a plus.
• Interest in materials, fabrication, manufacturing and how things are built.
• Previous engineering, production, fabrication or related internship experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to explore different solutions.
• Collaborative mindset and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-moving creative environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to real client projects alongside DI's Engineering team.
• Assist with reading, interpreting and preparing production and submittal drawings.
• Create and modify 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Help translate creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions.
• Explore materials, fabrication methods and construction techniques used to bring custom projects to life.
• Collaborate with Design, Production, Technology, Project Management and other teams throughout the project process.
• Participate in project meetings, design reviews and problem-solving conversations.
• See engineered solutions move from your screen into DI's fabrication shop—and into the finished client experience.

Skills

SolidWorks

Rhino/Grasshopper

Materials & fabrication

Internship experience

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering Technology

Industrial Design

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About Di

At Dimensional Innovations (DI), we’re Designers, Makers, Engineers, Developers, Strategists and Innovators working together to create remarkable experiences, places and products.

About Di

At Dimensional Innovations (DI), we’re Designers, Makers, Engineers, Developers, Strategists and Innovators working together to create remarkable experiences, places and products.

Our work lives at the intersection of design, technology and fabrication. From immersive brand experiences and interactive technology to sports venues, museums, corporate environments and destinations, we bring big ideas to life—all under one roof at our Kansas City headquarters.

About Our Summer Internship

At DI, an internship isn't about sitting on the sidelines.

Our summer interns become part of the team and have the opportunity to contribute to real client projects alongside professionals in their field. You'll see how ideas move from concept to design, development, fabrication and installation—and how different disciplines come together to create something remarkable.

Throughout the summer, you'll build practical skills, learn from experienced mentors, make connections across DI and leave with meaningful experience you can take back to school and into your career.

You’ll work hard, learn a lot and have some fun along the way.

Design Engineer Intern Summary

DI's Engineering Team plays a critical role in turning remarkable ideas into things that can actually be built.

Our engineers balance creative intent with real-world considerations like materials, fabrication methods, structural requirements, cost, installation and constructability. They work closely with Design, Production, Technology, Project Management and Installation to take ambitious concepts and develop solutions that can successfully move through our shop and into the field.

As a Design Engineer Intern, you'll become part of that process. You'll work alongside our engineers on real DI client projects, gaining hands‑on experience solving the challenges that come with turning creative concepts into physical experiences.

You’ll explore how objects and environments are engineered using metals, wood, plastics and other materials while learning how thoughtful engineering helps bridge the gap between “What if we did this?” and “Here’s how we’re going to build it.”

What You May Work On

• Contribute to real client projects alongside DI's Engineering team


• Assist with reading, interpreting and preparing production and submittal drawings


• Create and modify 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks


• Help translate creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions


• Explore materials, fabrication methods and construction techniques used to bring custom projects to life


• Collaborate with Design, Production, Technology, Project Management and other teams throughout the project process


• Participate in project meetings, design reviews and problem-solving conversations


• See engineered solutions move from your screen into DI's fabrication shop—and ultimately into the finished client experience

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the summer, you'll have greater exposure to:

• Engineering custom, one‑of‑a‑kind projects in a real‑world environment


• Turning conceptual designs into fabrication‑ready solutions


• Creating and interpreting production and submittal drawings


• Applying SolidWorks and 3D modeling skills to professional client work


• Selecting materials and fabrication methods based on design intent, constructability and project needs


• Designing with fabrication and installation in mind


• Working through the technical challenges that come with custom design and fabrication


• Collaborating across disciplines, including Design, Production, Technology and Project Management


• Understanding how a project moves from early concept through engineering, fabrication and installation


• Balancing creativity with the practical realities of how something will be made

Who We’re Looking For

You don't need to know everything yet—that's why you're here. We're looking for students who are curious about how things are designed, engineered and built and want to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real projects.

You’ll Be Most Successful If You Bring

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling/CAD software; SolidWorks experience is preferred


• Familiarity with Rhino and/or Grasshopper is a plus


• An interest in materials, fabrication, manufacturing and how things are built


• Previous engineering, production, fabrication or related internship experience is a plus, but not required


• Strong problem‑solving skills and a willingness to explore different solutions


• A collaborative mindset and interest in working across disciplines


• The ability to adapt and “go where needed” in a fast‑moving creative environment


• Comfort trying something new, learning from what doesn't work and trying again


• Strong communication, organization and attention to detail

Students pursuing Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, CAD/Drafting or a related field are encouraged to apply.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE DI

Real work. You'll have opportunities to contribute to actual client projects—not just hypothetical intern assignments.

See your work become real. With Engineering and Fabrication under one roof, you'll have the unique opportunity to see drawings and models move from your screen into our shop and become physical objects and experiences.

One roof, a lot to explore. Designers, engineers, developers, project managers and fabricators work together at DI, giving you exposure to disciplines you may not experience in the classroom.

Built‑in mentorship. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and professionals who can help you build your technical skills and better understand what a career in the industry actually looks like.

No two projects are exactly alike. DI specializes in custom work, which means our teams are constantly solving new problems and figuring out how to build things that may never have been built before.

A culture of curiosity. We value people who ask questions, experiment, solve problems and aren't afraid to try something new.

Employee‑owned. DI is an ESOP company, which means our employees share in the success of the company and bring an owner's mindset to the work we do.

A summer that's more than work. You'll also have opportunities to connect with fellow interns and DI employees through intern events, activities and experiences throughout the summer.

Additional Details

The Design Engineer Internship is a full‑time, hourly (non‑exempt) summer internship based onsite at Dimensional Innovations' Kansas City‑area headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.

Summer 2027 Internship Dates: June 7th - August 6th

Application Deadline: December 31st - but the earlier the better, these internships fill quickly

Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 40 hours per week

Location: Overland Park, Kansas

Work Arrangement: Onsite

A portfolio or examples of your work are required to be considered for the Design Engineer Internship.

We want to see what you've experimented with, built or created. Student projects and personal projects are absolutely welcome