Design Engineer Intern (Summer 2026)

Elevate Aircraft Seating is excited to welcome back our Summer Internship Program and is seeking a Design Engineer Intern to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the aerospace industry while working alongside experienced engineers on projects that help bring business-class aircraft seating to life.

Our 10-week internship program runs from June 1 to August 14 and is designed to provide a well-rounded experience that combines real engineering work with mentorship, networking, and professional development. Interns will engage in leadership roundtables, cross-department tours, skill-building workshops, community volunteer activities, and conclude the program by presenting their projects to company leadership.

We are looking for students who are curious, collaborative, and motivated to learn, individuals who value teamwork, innovation, and diversity of thought. At Elevate, we believe in investing in the next generation of engineers and providing interns with meaningful experiences that help shape their careers!

Note: Candidates be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship (including OPT/CPT)

JOB SUMMARY

The Design Engineer Intern supports the Engineering Department by assisting with key tasks and projects aligned with industry standards. This role contributes to the execution and analysis of engineering processes to help meet departmental objectives. The intern collaborates with engineering teams to achieve project milestones and participates in efforts to improve operational efficiency and technical outcomes.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Collaborate with Engineering Managers and a multidisciplinary team to prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Contribute to project deliverables, technical documentation, and process improvement initiatives to support departmental objectives.
• Participate in prototype development activities to support design validation.
• Drive prototype builds and performing hands-on assembly tasks.
• Collect and document test data during prototype evaluations.
• Assist with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and engineering feedback processes.
• Evaluate prototype performance against design intent and requirements in collaboration with engineers.
• Observe and assist engineers in day-to-day activities to gain exposure to design, analysis, testing, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned or requested.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, with an expected graduation date between December 2025 and June 2027.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Foundational knowledge in engineering.
• Familiarity with CAD system (i.e., SolidWorks or CATIA).
• Experience with SAE Projects

Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Positive attitude and desire to work in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Strong desire to gain hands-on experience and physically interact with a product.

Preferred Knowledge / Skills:

• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C#, C , VBA).
• Proven leadership abilities and a strong team player.
• Track record of academic excellence and a strong sense of initiative.
• Passion for the aerospace industry and its advancements.

Other:

• Extended or irregular hours may be required.
• Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
• As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

• Direction with necessary guidance is provided in terms of tasks and measured based upon how well tasks have been completed.
• Receives detailed instructions as needed.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Assist in developing solutions to moderately complex problems by applying established guidelines and organizational standards.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both reading and verbally.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Hourly Rate Transparency: $25 per hour

Schedule: 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday (40 hours a week)

Featured Perks:

• Paid holidays
• Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family
• On-site gym
• Free electric car charging stations
• Potential for growth within organization once graduated with your degree
• Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture