Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in New Mexico concentrate in aerospace and defense, national laboratory research, and energy systems, with demand at every level from sophomore co-op to pre-graduation capstone placement. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe are the primary hiring centers, anchored by institutions like Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Northrop Grumman. The most in-demand specialties include thermal and fluid systems, structural analysis, and instrumentation for test and measurement environments. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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What Your Job Will Be Like
- Assist with thin-film deposition experiments using physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition techniques, including electron beam evaporation, sputtering, and atomic layer deposition
- Prepare substrates for deposition by performing cleaning procedures on wet benches and mounting samples for processing
- Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data to evaluate thin-film properties such as thickness and stress
- Support the operation and upkeep of laboratory spaces, including routine cleaning and general lab maintenance
- Summarize and communicate research results through informal updates, technical discussions, and, when appropriate, conference or seminar presentations
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
- Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.
Qualifications We Desire
- The ability to acquire and maintain a DOELL
- level security clearance ( Must be U.S. citizen)
- The ability to work on site at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and apply critical thinking skills to technical tasks
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
- Coursework in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field
- Interest in or familiarity with thin-film deposition techniques such as sputtering, electron beam evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition
- Interest in experimental laboratory work, including sample preparation, materials processing, and characterization
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Advanced Thin Film Materials Department conducts collaborative leading-edge experimental R&D that enables the collaborative development of creative solutions involving advanced thin film materials for supporting Sandia's broad and evolving National Security and Energy Missions. Our research activities have broad impact; and typically generate peer-reviewed, high-profile journal publications and presentations at professional scientific meetings. Our Department's R&D advances the application of thin film materials with engineered mechanical, tribological, electrical and optical properties that impact Sandia's National Security Missions. We partner with mission collaborators to help develop low volume production of materials for various applications and engage in leadership roles in the NNSA/DOE complex.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
See All 39 Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMechanical Engineering Intern Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineering Intern Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineering intern jobs across New Mexico.
- Currently enrolled in an accredited mechanical engineering or closely related undergraduate program
- Coursework completed in thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, or fluid dynamics
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance for federally contracted New Mexico sites
- Experience with data analysis tools including MATLAB or Python for engineering applications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary team environments
Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineering intern in New Mexico?
You become a mechanical engineering intern in New Mexico by enrolling in an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program at a New Mexico institution such as the University of New Mexico or New Mexico State University, then applying to intern positions during your sophomore or junior year. No state-issued license is required at the intern level, but familiarity with federal security clearance processes is a genuine advantage when pursuing roles at New Mexico's national laboratories and defense contractors.
Which companies hire mechanical engineering interns in New Mexico?
Employers hiring mechanical engineering interns in New Mexico right now include Sandia National Laboratories, Albertsons, and UNM Hospital, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. New Mexico's concentration of national laboratories and aerospace primes means many internships are tied to government-funded research programs with structured cohort hiring cycles.
Which New Mexico cities have the most mechanical engineering intern jobs?
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos account for the largest share of mechanical engineering intern openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque anchors the market as home to Sandia National Laboratories and a dense cluster of aerospace and defense contractors, while Las Cruces benefits from New Mexico State University's direct pipeline into nearby White Sands Missile Range research operations.
Are there remote mechanical engineering intern jobs in New Mexico?
Yes, but they're rare. Mechanical engineering internships are inherently hands-on, requiring lab access, prototyping equipment, and on-site collaboration, which limits remote availability in this field. About 20% of mechanical engineering intern openings tied to New Mexico are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those that qualify tend to be in analysis, simulation, or documentation-heavy support roles rather than physical testing or fabrication.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineering intern in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a university co-op or research assistant position at New Mexico State University or the University of New Mexico, which both have formal agreements with regional employers including the national laboratories. Sandia and Los Alamos run structured student intern programs designed for candidates with no prior industry experience, accepting applications from first- and second-year students. Building proficiency in SolidWorks and completing a small independent design project strengthens your candidacy meaningfully before your first application.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineering intern jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineering intern jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and timeline, and apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 39 Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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