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Mechanical Engineer Internships Jobs in Virginia

Mechanical Engineer - Entry Level

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

  • Medical

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  • PTO

AE Works is seeking a talented and motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this ... internship experience will be considered) * 1-5+ years of industry experience in designing ...

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... The Role This is an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for ...

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... The Role This is an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for ...

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Mechanical Engineer Internships information

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$32

$54

How much do mechanical engineer internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical engineer internships in Virginia is $32.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $37.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineer internship?

Mechanical Engineer Internships are temporary, practical work experiences in the field of mechanical engineering, typically offered to students or recent graduates. These internships provide hands-on exposure to engineering tasks such as designing, testing, and analyzing mechanical systems, often under the supervision of experienced engineers. Interns gain valuable skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections that can help them secure full-time positions after graduation. Most internships last for a few months during the summer or academic year and may be paid or unpaid depending on the employer.

What types of projects can a mechanical engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

Mechanical Engineer Interns typically work on a variety of hands-on and design-focused projects, such as assisting with CAD modeling, prototype development, testing, and data analysis. Interns often support senior engineers in troubleshooting mechanical systems, conducting experiments, and documenting results. These projects provide valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and may involve collaboration with cross-functional teams like manufacturing, quality assurance, or product design. The experience gained helps interns develop technical and teamwork skills that are essential for future full-time roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, basic CAD design skills, and progress toward a relevant degree such as mechanical engineering. Familiarity with software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and sometimes experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help interns contribute meaningfully and learn from senior engineers. These skills and qualities are important for successfully supporting engineering projects, adapting to real-world challenges, and maximizing learning during the internship.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Internships jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineer Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Internships job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,463 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a By Light Company is an engineering services company supplying modeling, simulation, and training solutions.  Services include hardware, software, and system engineering, requirements assessments, system development, integration, testing, documentation, and customer support services. Veraxx has a high level of expertise in flight simulation hardware and software development, as well as computer architecture, tactical environments, interoperability (HLA/DIS), avionics systems, graphics and real-time embedded systems. 

Position Overview

By Light is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of flight simulation and training systems across multiple programs. Assignments will vary based on program needs and may involve new system development, upgrades to existing trainers, and integration of mechanical and electronic hardware.

This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who enjoys hands-on design, learning from experienced engineers, and working with multidisciplinary teams. The role provides opportunities to develop skills in mechanical design, equipment mounting, interface definition, prototyping, documentation, and system integration.

Responsibilities
  • Support the mechanical design of flight simulation and training systems, including  structures, equipment mounts, control interfaces, and cable-routing features.
  • Assist with defining mechanical interfaces, alignment requirements, and integration constraints across a variety of simulator and training-system platforms.
  • Prepare design materials and support Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETRs), including SRR, PDR, and CDR, under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Design and integrate cockpit hardware, flight controls, visual systems, and mixed reality (MR) equipment, including mounts, sensors, and cable routing.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, electrical, and manufacturing teams during design, integration, testing, and subsystem acceptance.
  • Develop and revise 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and fabrication documentation using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
  • Support rapid prototyping and development using in-house 3D printing and other fabrication methods.
  • Participate in mechanical verification and validation activities, including fit, form, function, and basic failure mode assessments.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • 0-3 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience; internships, co-op assignments, senior design projects, and other hands-on project experience are valued.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Foundational understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerancing, structural design, and manufacturing methods.
  • Working knowledge of 3D CAD software; Autodesk Inventor experience is preferred, and SolidWorks or similar CAD experience is acceptable.
  • Ability to create and interpret mechanical drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation.
  • Hands-on interest in prototyping, fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, or 3D printing.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks, respond to feedback, and support multiple projects in a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Internship, co-op, academic, or project experience involving mechanical design, complex electromechanical systems, or system integration.
  • Exposure to flight simulation, aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability systems.
  • Experience integrating computer, electronic, sensor, or control hardware into mechanical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with configuration management, revision-controlled CAD data, or product lifecycle management tools.
  • Awareness of ergonomic, safety, MIL-STD, or size, weight, and power (SWaP) design considerations.
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $65,000

Salary Maximum: $85,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Employment Type: OTHER