Innovation Intern - Surfacing

About the role#

The Innovation Intern - Surfacing will support the development of new products from early concept through prototyping and design refinement. This role is designed for recent graduates in Industrial Design or related fields to gain hands-on experience in a real-world product development environment. You will work alongside designers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to contribute to the full product lifecycle, including ideation, CAD modeling, and technical documentation.

What you'll do#

• Assist in developing conceptual product ideas and translating them into 2D and 3D CAD models.
• Support the creation of layout, assembly, and fabrication drawings for prototypes and testing.
• Participate in product development stages from initial concept exploration to final refinement.
• Prepare technical documentation, including drawings, specification sheets, and presentations.
• Assist with prototype fabrication, assembly, and evaluation.
• Conduct market research, including user needs, industry trends, competitive analysis, and identification of potential product opportunities.
• Conduct design research regarding materials, manufacturing methods, and construction techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams, and organize project records and CAD files.

What you'll need#

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field; recent graduates are preferred.
• Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Inventor.
• Basic understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and product construction.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Previous internship or academic experience in product design, CAD modeling, or prototyping is a plus.

Location & details#

• Location: Auburn, Alabama, United States.
• Term: Summer 2026.
• Modality: On-site.
• Employment type: Full-time, paid internship.
• Travel: Occasional, limited travel to manufacturing facilities or project sites may be required.