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Engineering Intern Jobs in San Diego, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ultra

Engineering Intern

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a motivated Engineering Intern to support our Knox Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) team. This is a hands-on, learning-focused role designed for early ...

Axillon Aerospace

Intern-Quality Engineering

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Intern-Quality Engineering AXILLON AEROSPACE is a leading provider of complex, highly engineered composite and polymer solutions for demanding commercial and defense applications. Comprised of five ...

GPC - Genuine Parts Company

Engineering Intern

Poway, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... engineering career. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES Ability to commit to a 10-12 Week summer program Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) Desire to learn Strong analytical and problem ...

Genuine Parts Company

Engineering Intern

Poway, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... engineering career. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES • Ability to commit to a 10-12 Week summer program • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) • Desire to learn • Strong analytical ...

Addman Engineering

Additive Engineer Intern

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Engineering Intern supports the engineering team with day-to-day technical and operational activities while gaining hands-on experience in a manufacturing and production environment. This role ...

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How much do engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering intern in San Diego, CA is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Engineering Intern Do?

An engineering intern is a student or recent graduate of an engineering program who is gaining hands-on experience in their field through an internship program. Interns in most fields, including engineering, are paid very little and sometimes work only for academic credit. The value is in the experience gained working alongside experienced professionals. In engineering, interns will find that they have an opportunity begin to specialize their skills in an otherwise broad field. They will conduct basic engineering tasks, under supervision, as well as various administrative duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Intern, you typically need a background in engineering fundamentals, strong problem-solving abilities, and enrollment in or completion of an engineering degree program. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, MATLAB, or project management systems is often required. Strong communication, willingness to learn, and teamwork skills help interns adapt quickly and contribute effectively. These skills ensure that interns can support engineering teams, learn from real-world projects, and build a solid foundation for future roles in the field.

How do Engineering Interns typically collaborate with full-time engineers during their internship?

Engineering Interns often work closely with full-time engineers by assisting on ongoing projects, attending team meetings, and participating in code reviews or design discussions. They may be paired with a mentor or supervisor who provides regular guidance and feedback. This collaborative environment helps interns develop technical skills, understand workplace expectations, and build professional relationships that can be valuable for future career growth.

What are Engineering Interns?

Engineering Interns are students or recent graduates who work temporarily at a company to gain practical experience in the engineering field. They assist with various engineering tasks, such as conducting research, drafting technical documents, supporting design and development projects, and collaborating with experienced engineers. These internships help students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations and prepare them for full-time engineering roles after graduation.

What is the difference between Engineering Intern vs Engineering Technician?

AspectEngineering InternEngineering Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in engineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in engineering technology
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in office settings, labs, or on-site project locationsHands-on technical work in labs, manufacturing, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by engineering firms, companies, and government agenciesFull-time roles in manufacturing, construction, and engineering services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level engineering experienceCompared for technical support roles in engineering projects

The main difference between an Engineering Intern and an Engineering Technician lies in their education, work focus, and employment status. Interns are usually students gaining initial experience, while Technicians are trained professionals performing technical tasks. Both roles support engineering projects but serve different stages of career development and technical responsibilities.

More about Engineering Intern jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in San Diego, CA? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in San Diego, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Intern jobs in San Diego, CA? For Engineering Intern jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineering Intern jobs in San Diego, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Intern jobs in San Diego, CA are:
What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Engineering Intern jobs? Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Engineering Intern job openings:
Engineering Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Intern job openings in San Diego, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Internship, 37% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,280 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Engineering Intern

Engineering Intern

Ultra

San Diego, CA • On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Mission SolutionsPowering Decision

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield-find your place in the future of defense.

Mission Solutions

By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, tactical command and control, and seamless video data exchange capabilities within a dynamic, multi-domain environment.

Job Description
About Ultra I&C and the Knox Product Line
Ultra I&C Edge Compute provides secure computing, communications, and engineering solutions focused on airborne rugged and contested environments. The Knox family of multifunction processors are SOSA-aligned, 3U OpenVPX systems that deliver rugged, high-performance edge computing across air, land, and maritime missions.
Knox systems power critical defense applications including sensor fusion, AI/ML inference, tactical command and control, and multi-domain operations - deployed on platforms ranging from tactical UAVs (Knox-5) to strategic airborne assets (Knox-7, Knox-10). This internship offers a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense hardware at the edge of compute technology.Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Engineering Intern to support our Knox Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) team. This is a hands-on, learning-focused role designed for early-career students pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. The intern will assist with hardware integration, documentation, lab testing, and engineering support activities across the Knox product line.

This role is an excellent entry point for students passionate about defense systems, rugged hardware, and real-world engineering - and is structured to grow with the intern's developing skills.

Responsibilities

Hardware & Lab Support

  • Assist with bench-level integration and testing of 3U OpenVPX modules and Knox chassis configurations
  • Support setup, operation, and logging of lab test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators
  • Help with cable routing, connector identification, and physical hardware assembly and inspection
  • Assist with 3D printing of mechanical fixtures, brackets, and test aids using CAD models and slicer tools
  • Support documentation of hardware configurations, build states, and test setups

Systems Engineering Support

  • Assist in maintaining integration checklists, test logs, and engineering notebooks
  • Support drafting and editing of test procedures, integration plans, and engineering reports under engineer guidance
  • Help track action items, discrepancies, and hardware status using issue tracking tools (Jira)
  • Participate in team meetings, design discussions, and lab integration events
  • Support requirements traceability activities and documentation reviews

Learning & Development

  • Shadow senior SEIT engineers through the full integration lifecycle - from component bring-up through system-level test
  • Develop familiarity with SOSA-aligned OpenVPX architecture, rugged defense hardware, and airborne system integration
  • Build exposure to EMI/EMC testing practices and MIL-STD compliance in a lab environment
  • Learn systems engineering fundamentals including ConOps, requirements derivation, and design review processes (SRR, PDR, CDR)
Required Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering program (community college, undergraduate, or higher)
  • Strong academic record and demonstrated passion for engineering, hardware, or defense technology
  • Basic familiarity with engineering tools - CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent), 3D printing, or circuit fundamentals
  • Ability to follow complex instructions, document work accurately, and operate safely in a laboratory environment
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and willingness to learn
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance
  • Ability to work on-site in San Diego, CA
Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Hands-on experience with electronics or electromechanical systems (school projects, maker projects, or hobby work welcomed)
  • Familiarity with basic lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, bench power supplies)
  • Experience with 3D printing hardware and slicer software (Cura, Bambu Studio, or equivalent)
  • Basic Python or MATLAB scripting experience
  • Exposure to SolidWorks, SolidWorks Electrical, or other mechanical/electrical CAD tools
  • Familiarity with cable assembly and wiring diagram tools such as Visio, Zuken E3, Capital Electra, or Altium for creating harness and interconnect drawings
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation
  • Interest in defense, aerospace, or rugged electronics systems
What You'll Gain
  • Hands-on experience with real defense hardware - 3U OpenVPX multifunction processors deployed on operational platforms
  • Mentorship from experienced Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) professionals
  • Exposure to the full systems engineering lifecycle in a defense product environment
  • Practical lab skills: test equipment operation, hardware bring-up, integration documentation
  • Familiarity with defense industry standards including SOSA, VITA, and MIL-STD frameworks
  • A strong resume credential in the defense edge computing space

#IC

#LI-Onsite

#LI-JK1

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs, we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes.

We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email careers@ultra-ic.com."

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