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Materials Engineer Internship Jobs in California

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Materials Engineer Internship information

What does a materials engineer intern do?

A Materials Engineer Intern assists in researching, developing, and testing materials used to create a wide variety of products, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Typical tasks may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, preparing samples, and supporting senior engineers in ongoing projects. Interns often gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and software, while learning about industry standards and safety protocols. The internship provides valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and helps interns develop practical skills in materials science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineer intern?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer Intern, you generally need a background in materials science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and coursework in subjects like metallurgy, polymers, or ceramics. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and CAD tools, along with knowledge of safety standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns excel in team environments and present findings clearly. These skills ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to research and development projects, support process improvements, and adapt quickly in a technical setting.

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

AspectMaterials Engineer InternshipMaterials Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate with a degree in materials science or engineeringBachelor's degree required; often a master's or higher for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, labs, manufacturing facilities, research settingsFull-time professional roles in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageInternship positions offered by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive companiesEstablished roles in similar industries

The Materials Engineer Internship provides hands-on experience for students or recent graduates, focusing on learning and skill development. In contrast, a Materials Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing, testing, and improving materials in industry settings. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a full engineering career, which involves greater responsibilities and expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Materials Engineer Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Materials Engineer Internship job openings:

Materials Engineer Internship jobs near you

Materials Engineer

Neuralink

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$113K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Neuralink:
We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description:
The Materials Engineering Team at Neuralink develops and qualifies high-performance, biocompatible materials for next-generation brain-computer interfaces. The team owns material characterization, hermetic packaging reliability, accelerated lifetime testing, and predictive simulation for implantable neural devices. We operate at the intersection of physical testing and computational modeling, closing the loop between experiment and simulation to drive design decisions.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who owns the full simulation-to-test loop for implant mechanical reliability. This person will build explicit dynamics FEA models, design and run physical tests, calibrate material models against experimental data, and validate predictions. You will work closely with materials engineers, microfabrication, and cross-functional reliability teams to ensure the implant meets impact, fatigue, and seal integrity requirements.
  • Build, refine, and validate explicit dynamics Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit) to predict mechanical response under high-strain-rate impact loading.
  • Own the in-house mechanical testing pipeline end-to-end: design fixtures, prepare specimens, run tests (servo-hydraulic, drop tower, DIC), and correlate results to simulation using quantitative metrics (CORA, force-displacement overlay, DIC contour comparison).
  • Translate physical test data into constitutive model inputs: calibrate material cards, optimize parameters, and deliver validated simulation files.
  • Coordinate test projects (SHPB, DMA, abuse testing) and own data quality from external sources.
  • Extend validated impact models to adjacent reliability domains: burst/cyclic pressure testing, vibration fatigue, and seal interface simulation.
  • Support cross-functional reliability programs including thermal modeling, RH/leak modeling, and accelerated lifetime testing as needed

Required Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with explicit dynamics FEA (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, or similar) - not static/modal only.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical testing (tensile testers, DMA, servo-hydraulic frames, or similar equipment).
  • Experience with polymer or composite material characterization, including rate-dependent and temperature-dependent behavior.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, or building and calibrating test equipment.
  • Proficiency in mechanical design (SolidWorks or similar CAD software).
  • Familiarity with relevant test standards (ASTM, IEC).
  • Ability to work autonomously: define test plans, build fixtures, run tests, analyze data, and present conclusions

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with high-strain-rate testing (SHPB, drop tower).
  • Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or full-field strain measurement.
  • Experience with constitutive model calibration and parameter optimization (fitting test data to LS-DYNA material cards such as MAT_SAMP-1, MAT_024, or cohesive zone models).
  • Medical device or aerospace reliability background (DV/V&V, FDA regulatory context).
  • Python for data processing and automation.
  • Experience correlating simulation to physical test data using quantitative metrics (CORA, force-displacement overlay, DIC contour comparison).
  • Experience calibrating and troubleshooting lab instrumentation.

Expected Compensation:
The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees' success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
Base Salary Range:
$113,000-$209,000 USD
What We Offer:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
  • Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Commuter benefits
  • Meals provided
  • Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
  • Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

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