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Engineering Internship Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Engineering internship, co-op, senior design or manufacturing project experience * Exposure to rotating equipment, motors, bearings, gearboxes, hydraulics or industrial controls * Familiarity with ...

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Engineering internship, co-op, senior design or manufacturing project experience * Exposure to rotating equipment, motors, bearings, gearboxes, hydraulics or industrial controls * Familiarity with ...

Internship or co-op experience in civil engineering preferred. * Exposure to relevant software such as MicroStation, HEC-RAS, or stormwater modeling tools preferred. Benefits: * Competitive salary ...

Internship or co-op experience in civil engineering preferred. * Exposure to relevant software such as MicroStation, HEC-RAS, or stormwater modeling tools preferred Benefits: * Competitive salary ...

Internship or co-op experience in civil engineering preferred. * Exposure to relevant software such as MicroStation, HEC-RAS, or stormwater modeling tools preferred Benefits: * Competitive salary ...

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Engineering Internship information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$17

$27

How much do engineering internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering internship in Columbia, SC is $17.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during an engineering internship, and how much responsibility will I have?

As an engineering intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from assisting with ongoing research and development to supporting design, testing, or manufacturing processes. The level of responsibility often increases as you demonstrate competency, typically starting with supervised tasks and gradually moving toward more independent work. You'll likely collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other interns, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and practices. This exposure not only helps you apply classroom knowledge but also develops essential teamwork and communication skills highly valued in engineering roles.

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 strong academic background in engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, or programming languages like Python is often required. Strong teamwork, eagerness to learn, and effective communication skills help interns integrate into project teams and absorb new concepts quickly. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering valuable contributions, adapting to workplace demands, and building a solid foundation for a future engineering career.

What is the difference between Engineering Internship vs Engineering Co-op?

AspectEngineering InternshipEngineering Co-op
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; no required certificationsUsually students enrolled in engineering programs; no certifications required
Work EnvironmentShort-term, project-based, often during summerLonger-term, integrated with academic schedule, often semester-based
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in engineering firms, manufacturing, tech companiesCommon in engineering firms, manufacturing, and corporate R&D

Engineering internships and co-ops both provide practical experience in engineering fields. Internships are typically shorter, often during summer, and suited for students exploring careers. Co-ops are longer, integrated with academic programs, offering more in-depth exposure. Both roles help build skills and industry connections, but co-ops usually involve more extended work periods and deeper engagement.

What do you do as an engineering internship?

An engineering internship involves assisting engineers with projects, conducting research, and gaining practical experience in areas such as design, testing, and analysis. Interns often work under supervision, use tools like CAD software, and develop technical skills relevant to their field of study. The role provides hands-on learning and exposure to engineering workflows and industry standards.

Which engineering internship is best for engineering students?

The best engineering internship for students depends on their field of interest, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Internships at reputable companies or organizations that offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to industry tools like CAD or MATLAB are highly valuable. Selecting internships aligned with career goals and gaining relevant skills can enhance future employment prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Engineering Internship jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Engineering Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Internship job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,167 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Internship Program: Applications Engineering

Eaton

Sumter, SC • On-site

$20.77 - $25.96/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Eaton rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

We make what matters work. You want to make an impact in the world. At Eaton, we're solving some of the toughest challenges on the planet.

Our Early Career Programs open up an exciting world of opportunities for you to make a difference on a global scale. Your assignments are more than tasks and busy work; they're your chance to drive innovation in intelligent power management and shape the future of our company. You'll team up with seasoned leaders, gaining diverse experiences that'll drive you forward to define and reach your career goals.

What sets our Early Career Programs apart: Personalized Program Experience: We're committed to energizing your career and empowering your impact. No two interns share the same experience or set of responsibilities. Global Perspectives: Our programs span diverse businesses and locations.

Relocating to an endorsed Eaton site is a required part of the adventure, enhancing your learning and maximizing program benefits. Role Exploration: You'll explore various roles early on. These experiences allow you to build your functional expertise and leadership capabilities to maximize your potential for future roles.

Strategic Networking: Collaborate with senior leaders through the networking opportunities woven into your experience. In our Applications Engineering Internship Program: You will accelerate your career by gaining hands-on power distribution and control product knowledge. Eaton provides a competitive total rewards package commensurate with applicable skills, knowledge, and experience and consistent with internal and external market practices.

The salary for this role ranges from $20.77 - $25.96 per hour. What you'll do: Work with a team to develop test fixtures for verifying performance of various elements of Switchgear and Motor Control assemblies. As a member of the team, you will work with lead engineers on design principles such as defining requirements, contributing to definition of hardware design, define test plans and perform validation testing to confirm that system and functional requirements are met

Work with a team to document and organize standards for control schematics along with other collateral utilized to fulfill customer requirements. Work with a team to improve productivity of the application engineering function through testing and implementation of engineering systems. Required (Basic Qualifications): Actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in electrical or mechanical engineering from accredited institution Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 (please don't round) Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position

This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc. Must be geographically flexible to relocate within the United States Preferred Qualifications: Actively enrolled in an electrical engineering program Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.2 of higher Completion of sophomore year by the start of the application Prior internship or co-op experience Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills Demonstrated leadership experience within campus and/or the community Position Criteria: Demonstrate geographic flexibility to relocate within the United States for the duration of the Internship to an Eaton facility including Asheville, NC, Fayetteville, NC, Greenwood, SC, El Paso, TX; Sumter, SC Strong analytical, computer, writing, presentation and customer service skills Ability to communicate technical information to customers and manufacturing Knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical engineering Knowledge of design standards We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law

Eaton considers qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with local laws. To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview.

Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.


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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US