Product Development Engineering Intern (Mechanical, Optical, & Electrical)

Methode Electronics is seeking Mechanical, Optical, and Electrical Engineering Interns to support our product development initiatives surrounding exterior and interior lighting for automotive and commercial vehicles. This role offers STEM students the opportunity to work on innovative technologies that align with Methode's commitment to delivering custom-engineered solutions for industries such as automotive and commercial vehicles. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the design, development, and testing of advanced mechanical, optical, and electrical systems, directly contributing to our legacy of innovation and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on the design, simulation, and testing of mechanical, optical, and electrical systems, circuits, and prototypes.
• Assist in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving technical challenges in system design or functionality.
• Support the preparation of detailed engineering documentation, including schematics, technical reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Conduct experiments and assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting to validate system performance.
• Work alongside cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative solutions.
• Contribute to research and development efforts for new technologies, tools, and processes.
• Participate in design reviews, project meetings, and brainstorming sessions to contribute ideas and technical insights.
• Assist in bench testing prototypes and verifying system performance.
• Ensure projects align with engineering standards and deadlines.
• Provide support in day-to-day operations of the engineering team.
• Perform additional tasks assigned to support team success.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering/Physics or a related STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math).
• Strong foundation in engineering principles, including (but not limited to) thermodynamics, physics, and electrical design.
• Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, soldering, or similar equipment is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, SolidWorks/CATIA/Creo, ANSYS, LucidShape, or similar software) is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to tackle complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Proactive attitude, strong willingness to learn, and ability to adapt to fast-paced projects.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and other relevant software.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

Note: Candidates must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States on a permanent basis post-graduation.

Why Join Us:
This internship is designed to inspire and empower STEM students looking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering world. You will gain hands-on experience, collaborate with innovative minds, and contribute to advancing products and technologies. If you're a driven and passionate student aiming to apply your knowledge in a dynamic environment, this is your opportunity to launch your career.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Frequent hand motion and repetitive tasks including using a computer for typing.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally do immediate reaching and overhead reaching to perform various duties, frequent standing for varied amounts of time to perform various duties, frequent walking for varied amounts of time to perform various duties.  Squat or bend to perform various duties.  Occasionally climb stairs.

Benefits and Perks:

Methode offers U.S. employees comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life and Disability insurance, educational assistance, and paid time off benefits. Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Pet Insurance coverage. Employees also have access to valuable discount programs that can contribute to lowering costs off certain technology, automotive, and home appliance products. In addition, Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan, which includes a company contribution.

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@methode.com or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.