Mechanical Engineering Intern

Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) • Washington, D.C., DC

2d • $25 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

i3 is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to support the Naval Research Laboratory, Tactical Electronic Warfare Division (TEWD). TEWD protects warfighters from emerging threats by advancing electronic warfare through research, development, test, and evaluation of current and future technologies. This is an on-site internship for the Summer 2027 time frame. The pay range is $25–$48 per hour; the range is a general guideline and does not guarantee compensation. Offers may account for factors including responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, geographic location, and applicable laws.

The intern will assist with mechanical design and integration for electronic warfare threat simulators, support thermal and environmental testing, prepare engineering drawings and documentation, and contribute to rapid prototyping. The position requires current enrollment in a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree program, foundational mechanical engineering coursework, and experience with 3D CAD software. An active Secret security clearance is required before starting, and U.S. citizenship is required.

Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional hours may occasionally be required, and regular, punctual attendance is expected.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field, and must remain a current student at the time of the internship.
• Completed foundational coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer, statics, mechanics of materials, or machine design.
• Experience using 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or Siemens NX through academic coursework or projects.
• Hands-on laboratory, makerspace, or shop experience with hand tools, rapid prototyping, or basic metrology equipment.
• Understanding of basic mechanical drafting standards, dimensioning, and tolerance concepts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; an active Secret clearance is required prior to start.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
• Exceptional judgment and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly in discussions and written documents and deliver feedback tactfully.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with diverse customers and staff.
• Ability to work under supervision and be accountable for accurate, complete results.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, in a fast-paced setting and under pressure.
• Effective communication, information analysis, time management, task prioritization, multitasking, and customer service skills.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or project exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using tools such as ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation.
• Familiarity with electronics packaging and ruggedization concepts for defense or aerospace environments.
• Experience designing test fixtures, brackets, or mounts for antenna and RF hardware.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, or sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and test data analysis.
• Familiarity with environmental test standards such as MIL-STD-810 thermal and dynamic profiles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design of RF electronics enclosures, chassis, and antenna mounting fixtures for EW threat simulators.
• Support thermal testing, temperature profiling, and evaluation of test fixtures and electronic packaging under operational conditions.
• Assist senior engineers with mechanical integration, assembly, cable routing, and hardware fit-checks.
• Help prepare and execute mechanical test setups, including vibration and shock testing for ruggedized electronic assemblies.
• Create and maintain detailed 2D engineering drawings, mechanical assembly documentation, and bills of materials.
• Support rapid prototyping, including 3D printing and coordination with machine shop fabrication for prototype brackets and fixtures.
• Document thermal and structural test results and present findings to engineering team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed