Mechanical Design Co-op Intern

Daktronics; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Employee assistance program

Community donation program

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Leaves

Disability and accommodations

Job summary

Daktronics is hiring a Mechanical Design Co-Op Intern in Brookings, SD, USA. You will shadow engineers, handle design challenges, and gain hands-on CAD experience with Creo while contributing to leading display systems.

Qualified students will develop 3D models, fabricate concepts, and support product development in a collaborative team environment during a 7-month internship that emphasizes initiative and problem solving.

Qualifications

• Full-time student in ME or related field, enrolled in accredited program.
• Able to take a semester off to complete the internship.
• Commit to 40 hours per week and university-coop credit.
• GPA 3.0+ preferred; transcripts required.
• English fluency, strong communication and organization.

Responsibilities

• Shadow an engineer and contribute to design challenges.
• Create 3D CAD models and assemblies with supporting docs.
• Design, procure materials, and fabricate concepts/prototypes.
• Apply design methodologies and justify decisions.
• Design, coordinate and interpret test results.
• Work effectively as a team member and maintain schedule.

Skills

Creo

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Creo

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Summary

Join Daktronics and be part of a team that creates cutting-edge digital LED display technology and audio systems. Experience the thrill of working on projects that bring excitement to sports events, attract customers worldwide, and guide people in their daily lives.

At Daktronics, you’ll engage in meaningful work and have the chance to grow both personally and professionally. Our internships and student positions offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of our products and industry practices.

You’ll have a mentor who will challenge you to find solutions, take initiative and develop a strong understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures. We are committed to providing the resources and mentorship necessary to thrive in your position, ensuring you feel supported and are successful.

What will the work look like for me?

As a Daktronics intern, you will get an opportunity to shadow an experienced Daktronics engineer and apply classroom knowledge. We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated individual who is not only interested in developing professionally but also drawn to being able to play an active role in the world’s leader in Large Format Electronic Display Systems.

• Play an integrated role with product development teams working on design challenges in our industry.
• Utilize critical problem‑solving techniques to solve design and development problems.
• Create 3D CAD models and assemblies (Creo) with supporting documentation.
• Hands on design experience; create detailed designs, procure materials, and fabricate concepts/prototypes.
• Utilize good design methodologies to layout design sets, create pros/cons, and appropriate justifications to make strong decisions.
• Design, coordinate, and interpret results from engineering tests and experiments.
• Apply classroom knowledge to real world design problems.
• Work and communicate effectively as a team member.
• Regularly and reliably work the scheduled shift.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Product Development department.

When will I work?

Our internships typically run from 11 January 2027 to 13 August 2027 or 17 May 2027 to 10 December 2027, with the possibility of adjusting the schedule to fit your academic calendar.

Where is this opportunity located?

Position located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is open to candidates eligible to work in the U.S.

What are the pay and perks?

The typical hiring range for this position is $21.00 to $23.00 per hour based on the location of the candidate. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experience, location, and applicable local legislation.

This position is eligible for a subset of our company benefits including employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability and accommodations. Information about Daktronics benefits can be found on our website Career Opportunities (daktronics.com) (https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/employment/careers). This information is intended tobe a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics at any time.

Qualifications

To be considered for Mechanical Design Co-Op Intern, we require the following:

Academic Requirements:

• Preferred applicants will be full‑time students of at least junior status currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Able to take a semester off from school to complete the internship, if applicable.
• Must be able to commit to 40 hours per week.
• Work through the Cooperative Education Internship Program with accredited university and Faculty Coordinator to arrange for credit while participating in this 7-month internship.
• Only strong academic performers will be considered, with preference to 3.0 GPA or greater.
• Unofficial transcripts or web transcripts must be submitted with application.

Other Requirements:

• Good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, self-motivation.
• Motivated and eager to learn industry concepts.
• Dedication and desire for quality performance.
• Good problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Computer and keyboarding skills essential (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to operate automated equipment and/or hand tools.
  • Work with some odors.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs. and/or awkward items.
  • Be able to stand for the full shift.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position.

Desired Traits:

• Familiarity with drafting and parametric modeling software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Creo.

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.