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Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Spectrum Brands

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Primary Duties & Responsibilities * Assist mechanical, maintenance, and manufacturing engineers in the design, modification, and improvement of mechanical systems, tooling, fixtures, and equipment ...

Tenneco

Engineering Intern

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Engineering Intern (Manufacturing) Location: Tenneco - Blacksburg, Virginia Department: Engineering ... Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field - Completed sophomore year ...

Tenneco

Engineering Intern

Blacksburg, VA

$14.75 - $19/hr

Engineering Intern (Manufacturing) Location: Tenneco - Blacksburg, Virginia Department: Engineering ... Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field - Completed sophomore year ...

HII

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited ...

GOROVE SLADE

Transportation Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA

$17 - $22.25/hr

Gorove Slade, a leading multimodal transportation planning and engineering consultancy, is looking for a Transportation Engineering Intern to join our vibrant team in one of our offices located in ...

Gorove Slade

Transportation Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Gorove Slade, a leading multimodal transportation planning and engineering consultancy, is looking for a Transportation Engineering Intern to join our vibrant team in one of our offices located in ...

HII

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited ...

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Mechanical Engineering Intern information

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How much do mechanical engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical engineering intern in Virginia is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and coursework in mechanical design or analysis, often supported by progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and basic lab equipment is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help interns adapt quickly and contribute effectively to projects. These skills and qualities are important to ensure interns can support engineering teams, apply theory to real-world challenges, and grow within the profession.

What does a mechanical engineering intern do?

As a mechanical engineering intern, you prepare calculations and reports, gain experience with engineering systems, integrate tracking plans, and perform analysis of mechanical design choices. You may help test products, interact with various members of a project team, and create or modify CAD models. As an intern, your responsibilities are limited, and most employers consider gaining experience to be the most important part of your job. Many mechanical engineering interns focus on building professional relationships in the hope of landing a permanent job after graduating. You may need to develop your skills in engineering, CAD software, and prototyping during your internship.

What types of projects do mechanical engineering interns typically work on, and how much hands-on experience can I expect?

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you'll often assist with a mix of design, analysis, and testing projects under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns commonly use CAD software to create or modify designs, help with prototype assembly, perform basic calculations, and assist in conducting experiments or tests. You can expect significant hands-on experience, especially in labs or on the shop floor, learning how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world engineering tasks. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing or quality assurance, is typical, providing valuable exposure to the entire product lifecycle.

Which internship is best for mechanical engineering students?

The best internship for mechanical engineering students typically involves roles in manufacturing, design, or research and often requires proficiency in CAD software, problem-solving skills, and understanding of engineering principles. Internships at manufacturing firms, automotive companies, or aerospace organizations provide practical experience and industry exposure valuable for career development.

What does a mechanical engineering intern do?

A Mechanical Engineering Intern assists engineers in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. They typically work on tasks such as creating CAD drawings, conducting research, performing calculations, and helping with prototype assembly or testing. Interns gain hands-on experience by supporting ongoing projects and collaborating with other engineers and technicians. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and helps students apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.
More about Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in Virginia? For Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineering Intern job openings:
Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,126 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Spectrum Brands

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Spectrum Brands rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Division Information
The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature's Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone® and SmartBones®.
Job Summary
Assist in the design, analysis, development, testing, and improvement of mechanical systems, equipment, and manufacturing processes. Support engineering and operations teams in maintaining equipment reliability, improving safety, increasing efficiency, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a production environment.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assist mechanical, maintenance, and manufacturing engineers in the design, modification, and improvement of mechanical systems, tooling, fixtures, and equipment used in production operations.
  • Support troubleshooting of mechanical equipment issues, including root cause analysis of failures, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance recommendations.
  • Assist with equipment layouts, machine installations, line modifications, and process improvements to optimize safety, ergonomics, efficiency, and throughput.
  • Participate in equipment inspections, performance testing, and validation activities to ensure systems meet design specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.
  • Develop and update technical documentation including equipment drawings, standard work, preventive maintenance instructions, SOPs, and change documentation.
  • Collect and analyze data related to machine performance, downtime, scrap, and maintenance activities to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
  • Support Continuous Improvement, Engineering, and Maintenance teams in developing, building, or testing prototypes, fixtures, automation concepts, or process enhancements.
  • Assist with vendor coordination, including reviewing technical documentation, supporting equipment quotes, and participating in FAT/SAT activities as needed.
  • Participate in Kaizen events, reliability initiatives, and cost-reduction projects focused on improving asset utilization, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Follow all safety policies and procedures and actively contribute to a strong safety culture within the plant.

Education and Experience Profile
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
  • Demonstrates leadership in academic projects, internships, co-ops, extracurricular activities, or service organizations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world manufacturing challenges
  • Ability to manage multiple projects or assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a continuous learning mindset
  • Shows initiative and creativity in identifying improvement opportunities and proposing practical solutions

Required Skills
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing processes
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar preferred)
  • Exposure to reliability concepts, maintenance practices, or manufacturing equipment preferred
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement concepts preferred
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Work Environment
Repetitive movements required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Must be able to stand, walk, and work on the manufacturing floor for extended periods of time. Must be available to work across multiple shifts as needed. Must wear all prescribed PPE including, but not limited to hearing protection, safety glasses, respirator, and steel-toed shoes.

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