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Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

... and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way ... The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team spanning optical ...

Combined Systems Inc

$70K - $85K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Summary The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, development, testing, and ... Join a global defense and U.S. Military supplier that has been operating successfully since 1981.

Leidos

Mechanical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services ... or internships Mechanical design experience 3D CAD and 2D drawing experience Hands-on experience ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

... internships or co-op programs, working on complex mechanical systems; Mid-Level : Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in mechanical/aerospace engineering, preferably in defense systems.

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ

... internships or co-op programs, working on complex mechanical systems; Mid-Level : Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in mechanical/aerospace engineering, preferably in defense systems.

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

... internships or co-op programs, working on complex mechanical systems; Mid-Level : Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in mechanical/aerospace engineering, preferably in defense systems.

Stratom

Mechanical Engineer

Louisville, CO

Experience with internships, research, or hands-on engineering projects may be considered. **Don't ... Experience with defense or government related development programs. Soft Skills * Strong problem ...

PALFINGER

Sales Engineer Defense

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into ... As our Defense Solutions division continues to expand, we are seeking a Sales Engineer to support ...

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Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense information

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How much do internship mechanical engineer defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship mechanical engineer defense in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense vs Mechanical Engineer Defense?

AspectInternship Mechanical Engineer DefenseMechanical Engineer Defense
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Mechanical Engineering programBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, professional experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, training-focused, entry-level tasksFull-time roles, project management, design, analysis, and development
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agencies, military suppliersDefense industry, military equipment manufacturing, aerospace

The main difference is that an Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense is a temporary, training-focused position for students or recent graduates, while a Mechanical Engineer Defense is a full-time professional role requiring relevant education and experience. Interns gain exposure and foundational skills, whereas full engineers handle complex projects and responsibilities in the defense sector.

What cities are hiring for Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? Cities with the most Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs include:
Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense jobs near you

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are 
 
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
 
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Position Summary
nLIGHT is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires strong opto-mechanical design skills and hands-on experience developing rugged, production-ready hardware for demanding military environments. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team spanning optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering, with primary responsibility for mechanical design, analysis, and verification of laser amplifier subsystems.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical subsystems for high-power fiber laser amplifiers used in directed-energy applications
  • Contribute to mechanical architecture and detailed design to meet performance, SWaP, environmental, reliability, and cost requirements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system layouts, interfaces, and product requirements
  • Apply DFX principles to develop manufacturable, cost-effective designs suitable for prototype and production builds
  • Perform engineering analyses including thermal management, heat transfer, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
  • Support planning and execution of design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification testing
  • Participate in procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
  • Design and support tooling, fixtures, and process equipment for manufacturing
  • Support system-level integration and testing activities as required
 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
  • Minimum of 7+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
  • Familiarity with manufacturing methods including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks and engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
  • Experience performing thermal and structural analyses
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
 
Preferred Experience
  • Development or testing of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
  • Experience with fiber optics and optical assemblies
  • Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military or aerospace applications
  • Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
 
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
 
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer: $103,000 - $130,000 annually 
 
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 6% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
 
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
 
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster 
  • Right to Work Poster 

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