Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)
About The Position
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026) to support the development of structures and mechanical systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This role offers a rare opportunity to work hands-on on real flight hardware while collaborating closely with experienced aerospace founders and a small, highly capable engineering team. As an intern at an early-stage company, you’ll gain exposure across the full product lifecycle — from early design and analysis through fabrication, integration, and test. You’ll have direct access to leadership, meaningful ownership of scoped engineering work, and the chance to make tangible contributions to an aircraft program moving toward flight. If you’re excited about building real aerospace hardware, learning fast, and contributing to something ambitious, this internship is for you.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong foundation in core mechanical engineering fundamentals (e.g., statics and dynamics, mechanics of materials, basic thermodynamics, manufacturing technology).
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, 3DEXPERIENCE, or similar).
- Exposure to manufacturing processes, materials, or hands-on projects (coursework, clubs, internships, or personal projects).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to occasionally travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, or testing locations as required.
- U.S. work authorization required.
Responsibilities
- Support the design and development of aircraft structures and mechanical systems, which may include airframe components, landing gear, flight controls, propulsion installations, payload systems, and other flight-critical hardware.
- Developing Static and Dynamic Structural Test Fixtures
- Developing Payload System Mock-Ups
- Developing Fuel Tank and System Mock-Ups
- Planning, Executing, and Reporting Fastened Joint Fatigue Tests
- Planning, Executing, and Reporting Accelerated Corrosion Tests
- Performing aerodynamic and structural trade studies
- 3D Scanning of Components
- Updating Material/Hardware Libraries in PDM
- Developing Military/Civil Certification Requirement/Compliance Matrices
- Work closely with systems, aerodynamic, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to understand requirements, evaluate trade studies, and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
- Create CAD models, layouts, and simple assemblies for mechanical systems and structures, applying first-principles engineering and guidance from senior engineers.
- Assist with sourcing parts and materials, and support fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical hardware.
- Help prepare and execute ground and flight test activities, including test setup, instrumentation, data collection, and post-test documentation.
- Produce clear documentation such as CAD models, drawings, analysis summaries, test reports, and design review materials.
- Support aircraft structures and mechanical systems through integration and testing, helping troubleshoot issues and iterate on designs.
- Contribute to the development of engineering documentation, best practices, and standard operating procedures as the company scales.
Benefits
- Real Hardware, Real Impact: Work on flight-critical aerospace systems — not hypothetical intern projects.
- Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced aerospace founders and senior engineers.
- End-to-End Exposure: See how aircraft are designed, built, tested, and iterated in a startup environment.
- Growth: Develop technical, hands-on, and professional skills that translate directly to full-time aerospace roles.
- Culture: Join a kind, driven, and mission-focused team building something meaningful.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
