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Internship Mechanical Engineer Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA

$125K - $165K/yr

... and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way ... The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA

$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

$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 ...

KFORM Defense

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn ... We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems ...

Tiberius Aerospace Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

About Tiberius Aerospace Tiberius Aerospace is a cutting-edge Aerospace and Defense company ... internship or hands-on lab/project experience in aerospace or hardware development What We're ...

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.

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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 Aug 4, 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

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT

Camas, WA

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

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 Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical architecture and design for high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems
  • Drive design trade studies addressing performance, SWaP, reliability, environmental survivability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Define mechanical requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Apply DFX principles and manufacturing best practices to deliver robust, production-ready designs
  • Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
  • Define and oversee design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
  • Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
  • Develop tooling, fixtures, and process equipment strategies to support scalable manufacturing
  • Support system-level integration and testing of HEL combined systems as required
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple projects or programs
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
  • Typically 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
  • Extensive experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
  • Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks and advanced engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
  • Demonstrated expertise in thermal, structural, and materials analyses
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
Preferred Experience
  • Development and qualification of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
  • Experience with fiber optics, optical assemblies, and precision alignment techniques
  • Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military applications
  • Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
  • Experience supporting system-level integration of directed-energy or HEL systems
  • Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical efforts
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance
 
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually 
 
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 10%
  • 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 
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