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Automotive Engineer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Automotive Engineer Intern information

What does an automotive engineer intern do?

An Automotive Engineer Intern assists in the design, development, and testing of vehicles and automotive systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. Typical tasks may include conducting research, creating CAD models, performing data analysis, and supporting prototype builds or tests. Interns gain hands-on experience with engineering tools, work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and contribute to real-world automotive projects. This role is ideal for students seeking practical industry experience and exposure to automotive engineering processes.

What types of projects or tasks can an automotive engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As an Automotive Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and collaborative projects such as assisting with vehicle design modifications, performing tests on automotive systems, and supporting data analysis for performance improvements. Interns often work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, which provides valuable exposure to real-world problem-solving and the automotive product development process. This experience not only builds technical knowledge but also enhances communication and teamwork skills, essential for future career growth in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, automotive systems, and typically be enrolled in or have completed a degree in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and diagnostic equipment is often required, along with proficiency in tools like MATLAB or SolidWorks. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this position. These competencies are vital for contributing to vehicle design, troubleshooting, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Automotive Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineer Intern?

AspectAutomotive Engineer InternMechanical Engineer Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering programsEnrolled in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering programs
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labs, automotive design studiosManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, various industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, motorsport teamsBroad industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, machinery
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Automotive Engineer Interns focus specifically on vehicle systems, design, and automotive technologies, often working within automotive companies or motorsport teams. Mechanical Engineer Interns have a broader scope, working across various industries with general mechanical systems. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and may share work environments, Automotive Engineer Interns specialize in automotive projects, making their roles more industry-specific.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Automotive Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Automotive Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Engineer Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Engineering Technician

Salem, VA • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Rhenus Automotive is offering the opportunity to be a part of a global entity in our growing division of North America. We provide a variety of employment opportunities for our communities with entry and advanced technical engineering positions. We are looking for an Engineering Technician to join our team in Salem, Virginia. Our state-of-the-art automotive production facility is serving the needs of a large customer in a fast-paced environment.
Our culture: We take great pride in being an employer who focuses on our people and their individual potential. We offer great opportunities for your personal growth and are known for the great care we take with customers and employees alike. We are focused on cultivating a friendly work environment and enabling a free exchange of ideas. We believe in a personality fit rather than a resume fit.
  • We offer affordable health, dental, and vision benefits starting the first day of employment.
  • We have a generous PTO benefit.
  • We also offer a 7% 401k match.

Requirements
RESPONSABILITIES:
The Engineering Technician's primary reasonability is to provide general engineering support to the production line as required. This support may include, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Participates in continuous improvement events and proactively suggests tools, processes and methods that will increase safety, quality, and productivity.
  • Responds to production incidents as applicable and assists both in the implementation of immediate containment measures as well as the development of corrective actions.
  • Troubleshoots mechanical and technical incidents on production equipment, runs diagnostics to identify the root cause and performs repairs as appropriate.
  • Performs routine preventative maintenance on all equipment on site in a timely manner and in the required frequency to ensure all equipment is compliant with customer and company specific requirements, including OSHA standards.
  • Responsible for outsourcing calibration and repair of tools. This task will include, but not limited to, obtaining quotes from vendors, and overseeing the shipment of the tools and/or parts.
  • Perform verification measurements of critical characteristic joints (CCs) and significant characteristic joints (SCs).
  • Collaborate with various departments to improve daily processes.
  • Monitors and evaluates production processes and equipment according to internal and external specifications and requirements.
  • Analyzes processes and data based on applicable requirements and standards and makes recommendations for modifications or improvements as applicable.
  • Identifies reoccurring issues, assists in root cause identification efforts relating to them and helps devise solutions to prevent them from happening in the future.
  • Performs formal time studies of production processes to determine improvement opportunities in the line balancing, workload, and other areas.
  • Be the primary engineering resource responsible for directly supporting production line.
  • Provide engineering support towards the Operation Manager, Logistics Manager, Engineering Manager and Line Leads.
  • Follows all safety policies and procedures strictly, alerts appropriate leadership of potential shortcomings and assists all employees in the proper and safe handling of tooling and equipment.
  • Participates in 5S activities and workshops and actively contributes to a clean and organized work environment to ensure the safety of operations.
  • Resolve quality issues using the Quick Problem Solving (QPS) method, communicate issues to the appropriate engineer(s), and follow-up on solutions.
  • Scope of responsibilities and duties depends on the department to which the technician has been assigned; duties listed in this job description that are not applicable to one department do not affect relevance to other departments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILL AND ABILITIES:
  • Associate degree in an engineering discipline or a comparable field or the equivalent of 5 years in professional experience.
  • At least 1 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment such as technician, mechanic, quality inspector, or engineering intern.
  • Experience in the automotive industry preferred.
  • Intermediate written and verbal communication skills with the ability to capture and make available technical data to production floor.
  • Basic problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to solve complex technical problems independently or in a team.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks according to business objectives and the ability to pursue several objectives simultaneously.
  • Ability to think creatively and manage priorities while working independently with a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Rhenus Automotive Salem is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Salary Description
starting at $53,000.00 annually