Manufacturing Engineering Intern (Internship 2026)
About The Position
The Mechanical Engineer Intern supports the Manufacturing Engineering and Production teams in a high-mix, aerospace manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on experience in metal additive manufacturing (AM), post-processing, tooling development, CNC machining support, and process improvement initiatives. The intern will work directly on the production floor and in laboratory settings, assisting with manufacturing planning, equipment setup, process validation, and continuous improvement efforts. This role is ideal for students pursuing Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or Aerospace Engineering who are eager to gain practical, real-world experience in advanced aerospace hardware production.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
- Foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Ability to work in a hands-on production environment.
- S. Citizenship required; must be eligible to work on ITAR-controlled projects and obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on exposure to additive manufacturing equipment through coursework, lab work, research projects, or internships (metal AM experience a plus).
- Academic or project-based exposure to CNC machining, tooling concepts, or precision manufacturing processes.
- Basic understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Design of Experiments (DOE) principles through coursework or academic projects.
- Working knowledge of Excel and introductory experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis.
- Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments through internships, labs, or academic programs preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the development, documentation, validation, and continuous improvement of metal additive manufacturing processes.
- Support setup, operation, and monitoring of metal AM systems (including Laser Powder Bed Fusion equipment).
- Participate in production-floor activities including post-processing, heat treatment coordination, surface finishing, and part inspection.
- Assist Manufacturing Engineers with process planning, routing creation, and production documentation updates.
- Support tooling and fixture design, fabrication, and implementation for AM and CNC operations.
- Provide engineering support to CNC machining activities including setup assistance, process review, and basic troubleshooting.
- Collect, analyze, and present process data to drive Lean, Six Sigma, and DOE-based improvements.
- Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for nonconforming hardware.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain.
- Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and ITAR/DoD regulations.
- Perform other engineering support tasks as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
