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Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 · 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 14, 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.
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For Mechanical Engineering Intern jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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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 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,126 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Engineering Intern

Tenneco

Blacksburg, VA

$14.75 - $19/hr

Internship

Posted 26 days ago

Tenneco rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

341st of 489 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description: Engineering Intern (Manufacturing)

Location: Tenneco - Blacksburg, Virginia
Department: Engineering / Operations
Position Summary
The Engineering Intern will support the Blacksburg facility by assisting with process improvements, standardization, and daily engineering activities in a high-volume, unionized manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on experience in production processes, data analysis, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on developing and sustaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in developing, updating, and standardizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production lines (Auto Lines, IROX, Material Prep)
- Support process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality
- Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and performance gaps
- Participate in root cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D support)
- Assist with continuous improvement (CI) projects, including 5S, layout improvements, and workflow optimization
- Provide daily production support, including troubleshooting and problem-solving with supervisors and engineers
- Observe and document processes to ensure compliance with standard work
- Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS teams
- Participate in and support safety initiatives, ensuring adherence to plant safety policies
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Completed sophomore year preferred
- Strong interest in manufacturing and process improvement
- Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing and problem-solving tools preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving mindset
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Initiative and accountability
- Strong interpersonal skills
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing plant environment with regular time spent on the production floor
- Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and steel-toe shoes
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach as needed
- Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment
Schedule & Compensation
- Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments
- Typically 10-20 hours per week during the school term
- Opportunity for increased hours during breaks or summer
- Competitive hourly rate based on academic level
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-on experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment
- Exposure to lean manufacturing, CI tools, and real-time problem solving
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and plant leadership

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