1

Internship Valve Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intern Manufacturing Eng

North Hollywood, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

An engineering internship position to gain experience and exposure to varying areas of Pneumatic valve component and systems design, development, investigation, testing, assembly, production support ...

New

Internship Valve Engineer information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do internship valve engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship valve engineer in California is $25.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship valve engineer do?

An Internship Valve Engineer assists in the design, testing, and maintenance of valves used in various industrial systems, such as oil and gas, power generation, or manufacturing plants. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers and may be involved in tasks like creating technical drawings, performing simulations, analyzing valve performance, and supporting quality control. This internship provides hands-on experience with engineering tools and software, exposure to industry standards, and practical knowledge of fluid mechanics. The goal is to help interns develop foundational skills and prepare for a full-time engineering role.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an internship valve engineer expect during their internship?

As an Internship Valve Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects, such as assisting with valve design modifications, conducting performance tests, and supporting the troubleshooting of valve systems. Interns often work closely with experienced engineers on tasks like drafting technical drawings, preparing reports, and participating in team meetings to discuss product improvements or quality concerns. This role typically offers exposure to both mechanical and process engineering, providing a valuable learning environment that can help you develop practical skills and build a foundation for a future engineering career.

What is the difference between Internship Valve Engineer vs Valve Engineer?

AspectInternship Valve EngineerValve Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering programBachelor's or higher in Mechanical or Civil Engineering
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projectsFull-time professional roles, project management
CertificationsNot required, some may pursue relevant certificationsProfessional engineering license preferred
ResponsibilitiesAssist in design, testing, and documentationDesign, analyze, and oversee valve systems

The main difference between an Internship Valve Engineer and a Valve Engineer is experience level and responsibilities. Internships are designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while Valve Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and managing valve systems in industry settings.

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

To thrive as an Internship Valve Engineer, you typically need foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering principles, fluid dynamics, and materials science, often gained through progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, valve design and testing tools, and industry standards (such as API or ASME codes) is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities ensure accurate valve design, safe and efficient operation, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.
What job categories do people searching Internship Valve Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Valve Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Internship Valve Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Internship Valve Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Valve Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,174 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Propulsion Engineering Internship - Spring 2027

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$33/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

About This Role 

Spring internships will range between the months of January and May. All dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in Los Angeles, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. 

The propulsion team is responsible for fluid systems on the vehicle required to complete spacecraft orbital maneuvers and earth reentry. This includes thrusters for primary maneuvers and attitude control, propellant tanks, and all associated plumbing and fluid components on the spacecraft. This system is completely designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested in house which enables successful candidates exposure across all aspects of the design and manufacturing lifecycle of a space vehicle system.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the company's success. You will be working on a collaborative team in a startup environment while being able to learn from some of most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the world. We're dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Varda's success. 

Responsibilities
  • Own or contribute to hardware or software design to support development of Spacecraft or payload 
  • Create or support test campaigns and build test stands 
  • Perform necessary analysis to support development and testing 
Basic Qualifications
  • Must have completed some Engineering coursework relevant to Propulsion, including but not limited to:
    • At least one of:
      • Fluid Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
      • Heat Transfer
      • Compressible Flow
      • Combustion
  • Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineer, or Electrical Engineering (or similar engineering degrees)
  • Familiarity with engineering design software and principles (NX/Teamcenter, GD&T, Matlab/Python, and analysis packages)
  • Strong fundamentals in fluids engineering 
  • Prior hands-on experience building or testing fluid systems 
  • Familiarity with safe operation of combustion devices, rocket propellants, and pressurized systems
  • Familiarity or exposure to high precision manufacturing environments
Preferred Skills And Experience 
  • Previous internship or co-op experience 
  • Previous experience on technical project teams (i.e. Rocket club, formula SAE, etc.) 
  • Completion of a Propulsion or Rocket Propulsion survey course
Projects You May Work On

Intern projects will be tailored to company needs and student skillsets closer to the start date. Typical projects include:

  • Hotfire test facility propellant system design
  • Component test bench design
  • Automated data reduction software
  • Valve qualification test program development and execution
  • Bus Ground Fluids Equipment design
Compensation
  • Hourly Rate: $33.00
  • Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
  • Commuter benefit to support local transportation