Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs for OPT Students
Mechanical Engineering Intern roles are among the most common OPT-eligible positions for engineering graduates. Most qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT extensions apply to mechanical engineering degrees, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) seeks a professional, driven and innovative individual for our Mechanical Engineering Intern position. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer in Pullman, WA. If you are a current student looking for the opportunity to develop your mechanical engineering skills, learn from world class engineers, and enhance your academic learning, then this may be the position for you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Mechanical Engineer Intern, a typical day might include the following:
- Tolerance, return on investment (ROI), thermal, and structural analysis.
- Design of plastic, machined, and sheet metal parts.
- Update SolidWorks models and drawings.
- Data entry of technical information into company databases (MS Access, Lotus Notes, SolidWorks).
- Follow mechanical development and quality assurance procedures.
- Assembling and evaluating prototypes or components that you design, to validate fit, function, and manufacturability.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you:
- Are pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering with one to two years engineering education completed.
- Have strong problem-solving skills.
- Have working knowledge of MS Office Applications or equivalent.
- Have one year SolidWorks Experience.
- Have strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills.
- Can learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
- Can work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Have background check results satisfactory to SEL.
- Have negative drug test result(s).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with engineering documentation
- Finite element analysis experience
- Experience with automation systems or robotics projects
LOCATION
This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $24.25 - $33.00 per hour*
Our intern pay is determined based on the internship role (the work you would be doing) and your year in school (when you plan to graduate). Talk to your recruiter if you are curious about the rate for your year in school.
OTHER BENEFITS
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support our interns.
- School matters. SEL managers work with their interns to arrange flexible schedules that accommodate classes and studying while working part-time during the school year.
- We challenge and rely on our interns to contribute high-quality work that adds value to our company and gives you an advantage with real-world experiences when seeking jobs after graduation.
- We aim to bring great talent to SEL and although not guaranteed, interns are frequently hired for full-time roles upon graduation.
- Ask our team about other intern benefits including wellness resources, community connection, and kickstarting retirement savings.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
INTRODUCTION
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) seeks a professional, driven and innovative individual for our Mechanical Engineering Intern position. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer in Pullman, WA. If you are a current student looking for the opportunity to develop your mechanical engineering skills, learn from world class engineers, and enhance your academic learning, then this may be the position for you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Mechanical Engineer Intern, a typical day might include the following:
- Tolerance, return on investment (ROI), thermal, and structural analysis.
- Design of plastic, machined, and sheet metal parts.
- Update SolidWorks models and drawings.
- Data entry of technical information into company databases (MS Access, Lotus Notes, SolidWorks).
- Follow mechanical development and quality assurance procedures.
- Assembling and evaluating prototypes or components that you design, to validate fit, function, and manufacturability.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you:
- Are pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering with one to two years engineering education completed.
- Have strong problem-solving skills.
- Have working knowledge of MS Office Applications or equivalent.
- Have one year SolidWorks Experience.
- Have strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills.
- Can learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
- Can work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Have background check results satisfactory to SEL.
- Have negative drug test result(s).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with engineering documentation
- Finite element analysis experience
- Experience with automation systems or robotics projects
LOCATION
This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $24.25 - $33.00 per hour*
Our intern pay is determined based on the internship role (the work you would be doing) and your year in school (when you plan to graduate). Talk to your recruiter if you are curious about the rate for your year in school.
OTHER BENEFITS
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support our interns.
- School matters. SEL managers work with their interns to arrange flexible schedules that accommodate classes and studying while working part-time during the school year.
- We challenge and rely on our interns to contribute high-quality work that adds value to our company and gives you an advantage with real-world experiences when seeking jobs after graduation.
- We aim to bring great talent to SEL and although not guaranteed, interns are frequently hired for full-time roles upon graduation.
- Ask our team about other intern benefits including wellness resources, community connection, and kickstarting retirement savings.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Mechanical Engineering Intern
Confirm your degree field matches the role
Mechanical engineering internships require a directly related degree to satisfy OPT's specialty occupation standard. A degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering typically aligns. General engineering or unrelated STEM degrees may require documentation to establish the connection.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many employers won't extend offers to students whose OPT hasn't started yet. Apply 2 to 3 months before your authorization begins so your start date aligns with both your EAD and the employer's onboarding timeline without gaps.
Target employers familiar with OPT
Large engineering firms, aerospace contractors, and automotive manufacturers regularly hire OPT students and understand EAD-based authorization. Smaller startups may hesitate. Prioritize companies with established university recruiting programs, as they're accustomed to navigating student work authorization.
Address STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Mechanical engineering is a STEM-designated field, meaning you qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this during interviews signals 3 years of potential work authorization, which meaningfully reduces perceived hiring risk for the employer.
Prepare your EAD and employment paperwork
Employers will need your EAD card, an offer letter confirming the role qualifies, and a completed E-Verify check. Have your EAD card number and expiration date ready before your first day to avoid onboarding delays at large firms.
Log all employment details for your DSO
OPT requires you to report your employer's name, address, and job start date to your Designated School Official within 10 days of starting. Mechanical engineering internships must be directly related to your degree, so keep documentation showing the connection.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Engineering Intern role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, mechanical engineering internships qualify for OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree. Positions involving CAD design, thermodynamics, materials testing, or manufacturing systems clearly align with a mechanical engineering program. You'll need to confirm this with your DSO and document the connection in your OPT reporting.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension for a Mechanical Engineering Intern position?
Yes. Mechanical engineering is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List, so a qualifying internship can be authorized under the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a formal training plan submitted through your school. This gives you up to three years of total OPT-authorized work.
How do I find Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists mechanical engineering internships from employers that accept OPT and STEM OPT work authorization. Filtering by visa type saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't sponsor or accept EAD-based authorization.
What happens to my OPT if my mechanical engineering internship ends early?
If your internship ends before your OPT authorization expires, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you can find new employment or prepare to change status. You're not authorized to work during this period. Report the employment end date to your DSO promptly, and begin searching for your next qualifying position immediately.
Do mechanical engineering internships at small companies count toward OPT requirements?
Yes, company size doesn't affect OPT eligibility. What matters is that the role is directly related to your degree and constitutes at least 20 hours of work per week. For STEM OPT extensions, the employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify regardless of size. Many smaller engineering firms and startups do participate in E-Verify, so it's worth confirming before accepting an offer.
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