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Mechanical Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

... internship. * Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.). * CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics.

... internship. * Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.). * CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics ...

... internship. * Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.). * CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics.

... vendors for interns' purchases of safety shoes, and approved safety glasses as part of the ... mechanical work * Assist in inspecting primary and auxiliary operating systems for loose and worn ...

New

Are you currently in school, learning about the new and fun ways of machines and the mechanical ... This position is an INTERNSHIP that would be for 6 months up to a year. This is a 30 hours a week ...

Mechanical/Industrial Internship

North Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Are you currently in school, learning about the new and fun ways of machines and the mechanical ... This position is an INTERNSHIP that would be for 6 months up to a year. This is a 30 hours a week ...

Mechanical/Industrial Internship

North Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Are you currently in school, learning about the new and fun ways of machines and the mechanical ... This position is an INTERNSHIP that would be for 6 months up to a year. This is a 30 hours a week ...

Internship, research, and extracurricular project experience counts. * Proficiency with mechanical CAD. * Experience creating mechanical drawings and maintaining drawing packages. * Hands-on ability ...

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Mechanical Internship information

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How much do mechanical internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical internship in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mechanical Internship vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical InternshipMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of a mechanical engineering programBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, often in manufacturing, design, or R&D settingsFull-time professional role, responsible for design, analysis, and project management
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and research labsFull-time employment in similar industries, with potential for career advancement

In summary, a Mechanical Internship is an entry-level, temporary position for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while a Mechanical Engineer is a full-time professional role requiring a degree and responsible for designing and managing mechanical systems.

What is a mechanical internship?

A mechanical internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field of mechanical engineering. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers and may assist with design, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems or products. The internship helps participants apply theoretical knowledge from their studies, develop technical and professional skills, and build a network within the industry. Mechanical internships are often a stepping stone to full-time employment after graduation.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Intern, you generally need a foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, coursework in related subjects, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), basic simulation tools, and Microsoft Office is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make an intern stand out. These competencies are crucial for contributing to engineering projects, meeting technical standards, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a Mechanical Internship?

As a Mechanical Intern, you'll typically support engineering teams by assisting with tasks such as CAD modeling, prototype assembly, product testing, and technical documentation. You may be involved in brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and troubleshooting mechanical systems. Interns often collaborate closely with engineers and technicians, gaining hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and exposure to industry-standard tools. This role provides valuable insights into the workflow of mechanical projects and helps build practical skills for a future career in engineering.
More about Mechanical Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Internship jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical jobs are:
What states have the most Mechanical Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,516 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development and deployment of custom opto-mechanical systems for the world's most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will establish and scale processes for how we build, assemble, align, and integrate opto-mechanical systems. You will work with high-power lasers, high-speed cameras, and other proprietary hardware and software to integrate novel capabilities. This is a hands-on role in which you will be expected to own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto-mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, so this is a high-impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep-tech company.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
  • Build, assemble, align, and deploy complex opto-mechanical systems.
  • Develop procedures for scaling in-house opto-mechanical build processes from prototype to volume production.
  • Integrate high power lasers and high-speed camera solutions.
  • Design mechanical solutions to integrate optical design with precision and repeatability.
  • Create drawings specifically to opto-mechanical GD&T standards.
  • Establish and own the precision alignment process including method, procedure, and software used.
  • Perform test and characterization of optical performance including process, equipment selection, and passing criteria.
  • Work closely with process engineering team to solve physics-based interdependencies.
  • Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop a robust and scalable system architecture.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics, and 2 years of hands-on professional experience; or a Master's degree in one of these disciplines and at least one hands-on opto-mechanical internship.
  • Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.).
  • CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics.
  • Strong mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals.

Nice to Have:
  • Master's degree in optical engineering or mechanical engineering.
  • Experience with high power lasers (tens to hundreds of watts).
  • Experience designing optics for industrial systems such as semiconductor (i.e. etching), laser cutting, long distance laser communication, etc.
  • Basic understanding of image and signal processing.
  • Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.
  • Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$200,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.