Mechanical Design Engineer-Summer Internship

Johnson Health Tech Companies•Cottage Grove, WI

About The Position

Position Overview: Under the direction of the Innovation Product Manager, we are seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer Intern to support the development of innovative fitness equipment and training systems. This role provides hands-on experience in product design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing support. The intern will collaborate with engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing teams to help design safe, durable, and ergonomic strength and conditioning equipment used by athletes, gyms, and consumers worldwide. This internship offers exposure to the full product development lifecycle—from concept development and CAD modeling to prototyping, testing, and design validation. Responsibilities: Mechanical Design & Development · Assist in the design and development of strength training equipment, cardio machines, and accessory components. · Create and modify 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD tools. · Develop design concepts, perform tolerance analysis, and create parametric models for new and existing products. · Support design improvements focused on durability, safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. · Prototyping & Testing · Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing of new fitness equipment. · Assist with mechanical testing including load testing, fatigue testing, and safety verification. · Document test results and recommend design improvements based on findings. Engineering Analysis · Perform basic engineering calculations related to loads, stress, motion, and structural performance. · Assist with finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to validate design concepts. · Support failure analysis and root cause investigations for product improvements. Manufacturing Support · Work with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication and assembly. · Help create engineering drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and assembly documentation. · Support vendor communication and part sourcing when needed. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with industrial design, marketing, and product management teams to meet product requirements. · Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions. · Provide documentation updates within engineering data management systems. Marginal Job Functions: · Other projects as needed.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar)
Basic knowledge of mechanical design principles
Understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T fundamentals
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
Strong communication and documentation skills

Responsibilities

Assist in the design and development of strength training equipment, cardio machines, and accessory components.
Create and modify 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD tools.
Develop design concepts, perform tolerance analysis, and create parametric models for new and existing products.
Support design improvements focused on durability, safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing of new fitness equipment.
Assist with mechanical testing including load testing, fatigue testing, and safety verification.
Document test results and recommend design improvements based on findings.
Perform basic engineering calculations related to loads, stress, motion, and structural performance.
Assist with finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to validate design concepts.
Support failure analysis and root cause investigations for product improvements.
Work with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication and assembly.
Help create engineering drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and assembly documentation.
Support vendor communication and part sourcing when needed.
Collaborate with industrial design, marketing, and product management teams to meet product requirements.
Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions.
Provide documentation updates within engineering data management systems.