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Materials Lab Intern Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Lab Intern information

See Austin, TX salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do materials lab intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials lab intern in Austin, TX is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials lab intern do?

A Materials Lab Intern assists in conducting experiments and tests on various materials to evaluate properties like strength, durability, and composition. They typically help prepare samples, operate lab equipment, record data, and assist with analysis under the supervision of senior engineers or scientists. This role provides hands-on experience with laboratory procedures and technical skills relevant to materials science. It is ideal for students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in research and development environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a materials lab intern?

To thrive as a Materials Lab Intern, you need a solid foundation in materials science principles, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically acquired through coursework in engineering or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and software like MATLAB or Excel is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help interns collaborate with teams and accurately document results. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable experimental outcomes and supporting research and development within the lab.

What types of projects and hands-on tasks can a materials lab intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Materials Lab Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects, such as preparing samples, conducting material property tests (like tensile strength or hardness), and analyzing test results under the supervision of experienced engineers or scientists. Interns often help with data collection, maintain lab equipment, and contribute to research and development efforts on new materials or product improvements. This role provides practical experience with laboratory instruments and exposure to industry-standard testing protocols, offering valuable insight into the daily operations of a materials science team.

What is the difference between Materials Lab Intern vs Materials Technician?

AspectMaterials Lab InternMaterials Technician
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate with relevant courseworkHigh school diploma or associate degree, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, supervised, learning-focusedHands-on testing, quality control, more independent
Industry UsageInternship programs in manufacturing, construction, researchManufacturing plants, quality assurance labs

The Materials Lab Intern role is primarily educational, focusing on gaining experience and learning about material testing. In contrast, the Materials Technician performs more routine testing and quality control tasks, often with greater independence. Both roles are essential in industries like manufacturing and construction, but they differ in experience level and responsibilities.

Materials Lab Intern jobs near you

Intern Engineering Support- Materials and Tests Division

Austin, TX • On-site

Texas Department of Transportation
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Texas Department of Transportationexternal

$15.54 - $22.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Information
TxDOT's Materials and Tests Division is looking for Engineering Intern Supports based on Stasney Campus. These positions will be in one of the MTD Sections: Rigid Pavements and Concrete Materials. Asphalt Binder, Flexible Pavement, Coatings Calibration & Traffic Materials, Quality Assurance, and Soils & Aggregates.
Benefits and Perks
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
  • Retirement Plans
  • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
Position Description
Must be enrolled in an engineering or related science degree program in an accredited college or university accepted by TX PELS. Assists in transportation engineering support work such as construction or maintenance inspection, structural construction or maintenance, laboratory work, landscaping, surveying or engineering data collection, operating data collection equipment, and other entry-level engineering support work. Employees at this level perform assignments following specific instructions and are subject to frequent review by the immediate supervisor.
Essential Duties:
  • Develops spreadsheets, databases, and other electronic documents.
  • Gathers basic data and assist with routine statistical analysis.
  • Obtains material samples for analysis and assists with routine lab testing including operation and cleaning of laboratory equipment; as required, moves items related to these duties.
  • Performs data entry and computer-aided analysis.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
  • Employees at this level perform assignments following specific instructions and are subject to frequent review by the immediate supervisor. Available to students in an engineering or engineering technology degree program.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Must be enrolled in an engineering or related science degree program in an accredited college or university accepted by TX PELS.
Other Conditions:Must be at least 16 years of age, a student currently enrolled in high school or any institution of higher education to include a trade/vocational school.
  • Employees at least 18 years of age with valid driver's license may be assigned driving duties and may use power tools.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Required to wear protective hard hat, or other personal protective equipment/devices.
  • Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection.
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
  • Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s).
  • Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position.
  • Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Standing-prolonged periods of time.
  • Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts.
  • Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts.
  • Visual Acuity-operate machines, such as drill presses, power saws, and mills.

Conditions of Employment:
Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

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