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Materials Engineering Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Engineering Internships information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do materials engineering internships jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineering internships in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Engineering Intern, you need a solid understanding of materials science fundamentals, laboratory skills, and coursework in fields like chemistry, physics, and engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and data analysis software is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing to research, supporting engineering projects, and ensuring the integrity of materials testing and analysis.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a materials engineering intern?

As a materials engineering intern, you'll typically work on projects related to materials selection, testing, and characterization to support product development or manufacturing processes. You may assist in preparing and analyzing samples in a laboratory setting, collect and interpret data, and collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot materials-related challenges. Interns often contribute to report writing, documentation, and presentations, gaining exposure to real-world engineering workflows. Team environments are collaborative, offering mentorship and opportunities to interact with professionals from other disciplines such as mechanical or chemical engineering.

What are Materials Engineering Internships?

Materials Engineering Internships are short-term work experiences that allow students or recent graduates to gain practical knowledge in the field of materials science and engineering. Interns typically assist with research, testing, and analysis of materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, often working under the supervision of experienced engineers. These internships provide hands-on exposure to laboratory techniques, industry software, and real-world engineering challenges, helping participants build their skills and prepare for future careers in materials engineering.

What is the difference between Materials Engineering Internships vs Materials Science Internships?

AspectMaterials Engineering InternshipsMaterials Science Internships
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of materials engineering or related engineering programEnrolled in or recent graduate of materials science or related science program
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, engineering firmsResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, aerospace, automotive, electronicsResearch institutions, universities, advanced materials companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Materials Engineering Internships focus on applying engineering principles to develop and improve materials for manufacturing and product design. Materials Science Internships emphasize understanding the fundamental properties of materials and conducting research. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus—engineering application versus scientific research.

More about Materials Engineering Internships jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Engineering Internships jobs? Cities with the most Materials Engineering Internships job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineering Internships jobs? The most popular types of Materials Engineering Internships jobs are:
What states have the most Materials Engineering Internships jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Engineering Internships jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Engineering Internships job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

PTFE Materials & Propulsion Systems Engineering Internship

Astrion

Merritt Island, FL

$37.61/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

PTFE Materials & Propulsion Systems Engineering Internship

LOCATION: Kennedy Space Center, FL

JOB STATUS: Part-time / Internship

TRAVEL: Limited; as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, or a related STEM discipline
  • Basic understanding of chemical properties, polymers, and materials science principles
  • Familiarity with laboratory testing, experimental procedures, or materials characterization techniques
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to document technical findings clearly and concisely
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative laboratory and engineering environment
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Must be able to support onsite work at NASA Kennedy Space Center

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

  • Exposure to polymer degradation, contamination control, or chemical compatibility testing
  • Familiarity with propulsion systems, valves, seals, or mechanical assemblies
  • Experience with data analysis, technical reporting, or research documentation
  • Experience working in laboratory environments involving hazardous materials or controlled processes
  • Interest in sustainable engineering practices, reuse technologies, and spaceflight hardware development

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The selected intern will support engineering and laboratory activities focused on improving the reusability and safety of PTFE (Teflon) components used in spacecraft bipropellant propulsion systems. Work will include assisting with materials testing, evaluating chemical and mechanical degradation factors, supporting experimental setup development, and documenting technical findings.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting modified decontamination studies, assessing long-term material performance, assisting with analysis of off-gassing behavior, and evaluating concepts for onsite fabrication of propulsion system soft goods and valve components. The intern will work closely with engineers and scientists in a hands-on laboratory environment supporting advanced aerospace applications.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Through this internship, the student will gain hands-on experience in materials testing, degradation analysis, laboratory experimentation, and aerospace hardware evaluation. The intern will develop technical problem-solving skills while learning about propulsion system materials, contamination control, sustainable engineering approaches, and research methodologies used in support of NASA mission applications.

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