Mechanical Engineer Internships
Mechanical engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Manufacturing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Energy lead in internship volume, with Tesla, Affiliated Engineers, and PAE Consulting Engineers among the employers posting roles now.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you’ll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you’ll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you’ve done. Join us and launch your career. We’ll support you with training, professional development and networking opportunities, and our shared vision of global security.
Northrop Grumman is seeking Mechanical Engineers for an internship opportunity. This position will be located at our Mission Systems sector in Annapolis, MD.
The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Marine Systems Business Unit.
Basic Qualifications
A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
- Be a student who is enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university and will be enrolled full time in Fall 2027
- Be majoring in Mechanical Engineering
- Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher
- Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), such as SolidWorks, NX, etc.
- Experience or coursework related to Machine Design
Intern Pay Range:
Bachelor’s: $20.50 to $37.25 per hour
Master’s: $29.00 to $45.50 per hour
At Northrop Grumman, our internship pay rates are standardized and take into account three main factors: the anticipated graduation date of the individual, the cost of labor of the geographic location, and whether the internship is considered technical or administrative.
campusjobs
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you’ll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you’ll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you’ve done. Join us and launch your career. We’ll support you with training, professional development and networking opportunities, and our shared vision of global security.
Northrop Grumman is seeking Mechanical Engineers for an internship opportunity. This position will be located at our Mission Systems sector in Annapolis, MD.
The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Marine Systems Business Unit.
Basic Qualifications
A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
- Be a student who is enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university and will be enrolled full time in Fall 2027
- Be majoring in Mechanical Engineering
- Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher
- Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), such as SolidWorks, NX, etc.
- Experience or coursework related to Machine Design
Intern Pay Range:
Bachelor’s: $20.50 to $37.25 per hour
Master’s: $29.00 to $45.50 per hour
At Northrop Grumman, our internship pay rates are standardized and take into account three main factors: the anticipated graduation date of the individual, the cost of labor of the geographic location, and whether the internship is considered technical or administrative.
campusjobs
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Mechanical Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
- Tesla13
- Affiliated Engineers13
- PAE Consulting Engineers7
- Allegion6
- L3Harris6
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Chemicals & Materials
- Retail
Tips for Your Mechanical Engineer Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer roles
Large engineering and manufacturing employers open summer internship applications the preceding fall, sometimes as early as August. If you wait until spring, the structured cohort programs are often already closed. Smaller companies and co-ops post closer to start dates, so keep checking through the year.
Build a CAD or design portfolio now
At the intern level, a portfolio replaces work history. Document two or three projects end-to-end, include your CAD models, engineering drawings, simulation outputs, or lab results, and note the tools you used. Recruiters for mechanical engineer internships want to see how you work through a real problem, not just that you completed coursework.
Work the campus network and apply directly
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors and career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, it widens the pool you reach and puts you in front of hiring managers who don't attend campus events.
Practice your technical screen out loud
Mechanical engineer intern interviews typically include a technical screen covering statics, dynamics, materials, or engineering design problems, plus questions about your projects. Practice explaining your reasoning out loud, not just arriving at an answer, interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you get it right.
Target rotational and university programs early
Many large manufacturers and engineering firms run structured rotational or university internship programs designed specifically for students new to the field. These cohorts recruit on fixed timelines, often in the fall, and fill fast. Identify the programs that match your discipline and apply in the first wave rather than treating them like rolling openings.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 66% of the mechanical engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to, relocation, commute range, or fully remote, before you start sorting listings. Filtering by location and work type upfront keeps you from spending time on roles you can't actually take.
Mechanical Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mechanical engineer internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For mechanical engineer candidates, a CAD or design portfolio gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a mechanical engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for mechanical engineer interns is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and return-offer timing, decisions often come before the internship ends. Position for one by delivering strong work, but don't count on it as a fallback.
When should I apply for mechanical engineer internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers recruit for summer cohorts the preceding fall, so applications for June starts can open as early as August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to their start dates, which means new openings appear year-round. Check listings regularly rather than treating it as a single seasonal push.
Are mechanical engineer internships paid?
Most professional mechanical engineer internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid internships exist but are far less common at engineering firms and manufacturers, and many are tied to academic credit arrangements.
What should a mechanical engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects naming the tools and software used, CAD files, design portfolios, lab reports, or simulation work give recruiters role-specific evidence to assess. Add relevant coursework, any certifications or technical training, and keep the resume to one page. Intern reviewers scan quickly.
Are there remote mechanical engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 34% of the mechanical engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw a national applicant pool, so apply early once you find a match and filter by work type to see them.
Can international students get mechanical engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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