Mechanical Test Engineer Internships
Mechanical test engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience validating real hardware and systems, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Lockheed Martin, Tesla, and Amazon among the employers posting roles now.
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Standard Job Description
Performs assignments in technical/engineering organizations (e.g., Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Facilities Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering) during vacations and short-term breaks from college attendance while enrolled in an accredited degree program.
By bringing together people that use their passion for purposeful innovation, at Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. At Lockheed Martin, we place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering innovation, integrity, and exemplifying the epitome of corporate responsibility. Your Mission is Ours.
Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Summer 2027 - Mechanical Test Engineer Intern. The successful candidate will be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's engineering degree program. Must be a US Citizen; this position will require a government security clearance. This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
Basic Qualifications
- Actively enrolled in a Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or other related degree program from an accredited college/university.
- Project/team-based experience
- Must be a US Citizen; this position will require a government security clearance. This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
Desired Skills
- Interest in test/hands-on engineering
- Test development and test equipment applications experience.
- Experience or classroom knowledge of CREO modeling and 2D drafting or similar CAD design tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- All of the above desired but training will be provided regardless.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $20.14 - $28.15
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Mechanical Test Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring



Tips for Your Mechanical Test Engineer Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer roles
Large aerospace, automotive, and defense employers open summer internship applications in September and October, closing cohorts months before anyone starts. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so check listings throughout the year and submit as soon as a role appears.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for mechanical test engineer interns want evidence, not credentials alone. Document two or three projects with the test setups, instruments, and results you produced, and compile them into a CAD portfolio, lab report collection, or linked design files that recruiters can open and assess on the spot.
Work your campus network and apply directly
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or 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, since many mechanical test engineering internships never appear at campus events.
Practice your technical screen out loud
Mechanical test engineer intern interviews typically include a technical screen covering engineering fundamentals, measurement principles, and hands-on problem-solving scenarios. Practice answering out loud, walking through your reasoning step by step, because interviewers evaluate how you approach a problem as much as whether you reach the right answer.
Mechanical Test Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mechanical test engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. Build a portfolio that documents your projects with the tools, test setups, and results you produced, giving recruiters something concrete to evaluate. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a mechanical test engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it is consistent performance on real test assignments, positive relationships with the team, and available headcount when return-offer decisions are made. Position yourself by delivering thorough, documented results on every project without counting on a standing offer at the end.
When should I apply for mechanical test engineer internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before the calendar year turns. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly and applying as soon as a role opens gives you the best chance before cohorts fill.
Are mechanical test engineer internships paid?
Most professional mechanical test engineer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Where an employer discloses pay, it appears directly in the listing, so reviewing posted roles is the most reliable way to compare what different employers offer.
What should a mechanical test engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools, instruments, and testing methods you used, and link to your design files, CAD portfolios, or lab reports so reviewers can assess your work directly. Add relevant coursework in mechanics, materials, or instrumentation, and keep the whole document to one page.
Can international students get mechanical test 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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