Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

siffron; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Siffron, based in Rockford, IL, offers an internship focused on basic CAD design tasks, prototyping, assembling, and testing activities for retail merchandising displays and systems.

You will support engineers, work with the Prototype team to ensure design quality and manufacturability, and contribute to documenting design layouts and drawings for components and sub-assemblies.

Qualifications

• Must be in an engineering or technology field of study.
• Must be at least a sophomore and have basic proficiency in CAD (Creo/Solidworks).

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers with product design, development, and prototyping activities.
• Work with Prototype team to ensure quality and manufacturability of design.
• Contributes ideas to improve department efficiency and productivity from CAD and process perspectives.
• Use 3D CAD to model concepts and prepare design sketches and drawings for components and sub-assemblies.
• Prepare detailed drawings for quoting and prototyping purposes.
• Provide sustaining engineering support including PPAP review and quality improvements.
• Create bill of materials and preliminary cost analysis.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

CAD proficiency

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Education

Engineering or technology field

Sophomore standing

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Siffron is a leading provider of retail merchandising solutions, specializing in designing and manufacturing innovative display and signage systems for top brands and retailers across various industries.

Job Summary

The intern will be responsible for basic CAD design tasks, prototyping, assembling, and testing activities. There will also be exposure to processes and documentation required to successfully develop retail merchandising displays and systems.

Essential Functions

• Assist engineers as assigned with product design, development, and prototyping activities.
• Work with Prototype team to ensure quality and manufacturability of design.
• Contributes ideas to improve department efficiency and productivity both from a CAD perspective as well as a process perspective through documentation and standardization.
• Uses 3D CAD to model concepts and prepare design sketches and assists with developing design layouts and drawings for a variety of components and sub-assemblies in support of retail merchandising system and loss prevention projects.
• Prepare detailed drawings for quoting and prototyping purposes.
• Provide sustaining engineering support to existing products including PPAP review, VAVE, quality, and product improvements.
• Create bill of materials and preliminary cost analysis.

Secondary Functions

• Support building and testing functional prototypes to demonstrate product concepts.
• Under engineering direction, develop test methods and procedures.
• Interacts with vendors and suppliers to assure compliance with requirements and specifications.
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow all safety procedures.
• Detailed record keeping of all aspects of project (project folder, design history, test results).
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Measures

• Timely completion of projects assigned.
• Accuracy of completed projects.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capability.
• Quality of designs.
• Maintain an excellent level of customer satisfaction.
• Compliance with Company Policies (i.e., Safety, Attendance, etc.)

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Minimum of 30 hours per week, and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
• $15-$18 per hour

Education And Experience

• Must be in an engineering or technology field of study.
• Must be at least a sophomore and have basic proficiency in CAD (Creo/Solidworks).

Skills (Language, Mathematical, Reasoning, Other)

• Good mechanical aptitude with a basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Able to work from drawings, sketches and verbal instructions.
• Strong self-starter who can work with little or no supervision.
• Well organized and detail oriented.
• Maintain high standard professionalism in attitudes and communication with fellow employees and customers.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office products.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• The ability to lift 50lbs.
• Close vision: Must be able to read small words, numbers, pictures (examples: blueprint, micrometer)
• Able to handle last minute interruptions.
• High energy level.
• Managing multiple tasks.
• The employee is frequently required to stand and walk or move to other locations within or outside the facility.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Ability to travel via car and air as needed.

Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement

siffron is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other class protected under State or Federal law.