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Prototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

All JobsPrototype Engineer Intern JobsPrototype Engineer Intern Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

Prototype Engineer Intern information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do prototype engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype engineer intern in Albuquerque, NM is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prototype engineer intern do?

A Prototype Engineer Intern assists in designing, building, and testing early versions of products or components. They work closely with engineering teams to turn concepts into physical models, often using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and hand tools. Their role may involve troubleshooting, documenting results, and suggesting improvements based on testing. This internship provides hands-on experience in the product development process and helps interns develop practical engineering skills.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a prototype engineer intern expect during their internship?

As a Prototype Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on hands-on projects that may include designing, building, and testing prototypes for new products or features. You'll likely collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and sometimes manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life quickly. Typical responsibilities include CAD modeling, assembling physical prototypes, running experiments, and documenting results. This role often requires adaptability and problem-solving, as you'll need to iterate designs based on feedback and test outcomes. It's a great opportunity to gain experience with rapid prototyping tools and processes while working in a collaborative, innovative environment.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Engineer Intern, you need a solid background in engineering fundamentals, hands-on fabrication skills, and experience with prototyping processes, typically supported by coursework in mechanical or electrical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), 3D printing technology, and basic laboratory or workshop tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns excel in collaborative and fast-paced development environments. These skills are crucial for efficiently transforming design concepts into functional prototypes that support innovation and product development.

What is the difference between Prototype Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectPrototype Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering programsEnrolled in Mechanical Engineering or related programs
Work EnvironmentHands-on prototyping, product development labs, manufacturing settingsDesign, analysis, testing in labs or office settings
Industry UsageProduct design, hardware development, R&D teamsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing teams

Prototype Engineer Interns focus on creating and testing physical prototypes, often working closely with hardware and manufacturing teams. Mechanical Engineering Interns typically engage in design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering knowledge and may overlap in industry settings, Prototype Engineer Interns are more hands-on with prototyping processes, whereas Mechanical Engineering Interns may have broader design responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

For Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Prototype Engineer Intern jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

Prototype Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Engineer Intern job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,349 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Intern, R&D Undergraduate Year-Round - MissionTech, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

What Your Job Will Be Like
Ready to join the Sandia mission and work on real-world projects with national security impact?
MissionTech, Sandia's Nuclear Deterrence and Science (ND&S) Mission Technologies student program, is seeking motivated mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science undergrad students to join us for a year-round internship. With a technical focus in engineering design, component/subsystem development, and product testing, you will partner with ND&Ss teams to collaborate on real mission-related deliverables. You will use your foundational engineering skills in mechanical, electrical, and software design and analysis in an applied contribution to our nation's security.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Develop and test advanced materials as part of component science, engineering and production and presenting the data and results of these tests to Sandia engineering teams
  • Collaborate with design engineering and assurance engineering teams in the collection and analysis of data through observation and experimentation
  • Support advanced system development through code refresh and full-stack programming.
  • Assist in the testing and optimization of circuits, chips, and other high-reliability electronics using common engineering environment tools
  • Support various aspects of telemetry development, including conceptual design, prototype development and testing, and transitioning of production work

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here .
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
  • Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
  • Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.
Qualifications We Desire
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0
  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to interact well with diverse teams
  • Demonstrated ability to develop new knowledge and learn new skills
  • Experience with engineering software platforms, computational programs, modeling and simulation suites, or programming languages
  • Experience with prototyping, process/product quality assurance, software or hardware integration
  • Ability to obtain a Q-Level security clearance

Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
MissionTech is an internship program that serves the Nuclear Deterrence and Science (ND&S) mission at Sandia National Laboratories. MissionTech comprises five mission centers: 1) System Modernization, Advanced Systems and Digital Engineering; 2) Design Engineering and Assurance; 3) Component Science, Engineering, and Production; 4) Stockpile Systems; and 5) Surety, Design Engineering, and Weapons Quality. Our projects span multiple disciplines across mission-critical work and crosscut across all of ND&S; projects include engineering design, product testing, component research and development, remote sensing, data analytics, and more.
MissionTech interns are onboarded as an integrated part of their project teams and work collaboratively with experienced technical staff who are leaders and experts in their fields. All projects are reviewed for substance and impact to ensure that interns have a productive learning experience and are contributing to deliverables with real national security implications.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

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