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Research Engineer Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Mentor Senior, Level II, Level I R&D Engineers, Engineering Interns and guide professional development across all team members. Ensure clear accountability for engineering deliverables within the ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Mentor Senior, Level II, Level I R&D Engineers, Engineering Interns and guide professional development across all team members. Ensure clear accountability for engineering deliverables within the ...

Our interns do real work within experienced teams to improve the lives of millions. Careers that ... R&D Engineer  Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and applies technical skills during ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN

$99K - $131K/yr

Mentor Senior, Level II, Level I R&D Engineers, Engineering Interns and guide professional development across all team members. Ensure clear accountability for engineering deliverables within the ...

... internship, research, laboratory, or work experience related to manufacturing, operations, process improvement, industrial engineering, or product support.  Experience with Lean Manufacturing ...

... complex research and development facilities, including, as examples, wind tunnels (aerospace ... Mechanical Engineering Internships and/or Co-ops, particularly in adjacent industries (see below ...

Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

... Interns may support one or more engineering areas based on business need, candidate background, and location availability. Examples of work in each area are listed below. Research & Development ...

Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

... Interns may support one or more engineering areas based on business need, candidate background, and location availability. Examples of work in each area are listed below. Research & Development ...

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Research Engineer Internship information

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a research engineer internship, and how are they typically structured within the team?

As a Research Engineer Intern, you will often be assigned to projects that support ongoing research and development efforts, such as building prototypes, analyzing datasets, or implementing novel algorithms. These projects are usually collaborative, with interns working alongside experienced engineers and researchers in small teams. You'll likely have a mentor who provides guidance and regular check-ins to track progress. The structure allows you to gain hands-on experience, contribute to real-world problems, and develop both technical and communication skills while learning industry best practices.

What does a research engineer intern do?

A Research Engineer Intern assists in designing, developing, and testing new technologies or products under the supervision of experienced engineers and researchers. Their tasks often include data collection, running experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to technical reports or publications. Interns may also help with coding, simulations, and prototyping, depending on the field. This role provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

What is the difference between Research Engineer Internship vs Research Engineer?

AspectResearch Engineer InternshipResearch Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, science, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in academic or corporate R&D labsFull-time, ongoing role in research teams within industry or academia
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by tech companies, research institutions, and universitiesFull-time research roles in tech, aerospace, automotive, and other R&D sectors

The Research Engineer Internship is a temporary, entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on research experience. In contrast, a Research Engineer is a full-time professional role involving ongoing research responsibilities. Internships often serve as a pathway to full-time research engineering roles, with the main differences being duration, experience level, and scope of responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a research engineer intern?

To thrive as a Research Engineer Intern, you need a strong background in engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree-in-progress such as electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (like Python, MATLAB, or C++), simulation tools, and data analysis software is typically essential. Curiosity, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help interns stand out in collaborative research environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to innovative projects, adapting to new challenges, and delivering valuable insights within research teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Research Engineer Internship jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Research Engineer Internship jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Research Engineer Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

$99K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Barnhart rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 171 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role focuses on driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering collaboration within a team composed of Senior R&D Engineers, Level 2 and Level 1 Engineers, and Engineering Interns. The Lead Engineer serves as the primary technical authority and point of leadership for complex, high-impact projects, balancing technical depth with team leadership and delivery accountability to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. This role maintains active involvement in hands-on engineering work, focusing on high-complexity and high-risk designs where senior technical judgment provides the greatest impact. This role is critical to scaling engineering capacity by improving team throughput, reducing rework, and ensuring efficient execution of increasingly complex project demands.
Qualifications:
  • Experience: 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in mechanical and/or structural design for heavy lift or related industries. Demonstrated success in leading engineering teams and delivering complex, high-impact projects.
  • Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license required, OSHA 10 preferred.
  • Technical Expertise: Mastery of mechanical design, structural analysis, and advanced simulation tools (FEA, fatigue analysis, failure modes). Deep knowledge of cranes, hoists, hydraulic systems, and modular transport systems. Advanced proficiency in CAD platforms (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and engineering software (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, RISA-3D). Strong understanding of industry standards (OSHA, AISC, AWS, ASME B30 Series, ANSI, ASCE-7).
  • Technical Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers at varying experience levels while remaining an active technical contributor. Demonstrated capability in coordinating team efforts, prioritizing engineering work, and guiding execution on complex projects.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and client engagement. Ability to effectively present technical concepts to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical or civil engineering (ABET accredited).

Key Responsibilities:
  • Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate a single engineering team, ensuring alignment with project objectives, company processes and standards. Mentor Senior, Level II, Level I R&D Engineers, Engineering Interns and guide professional development across all team members. Ensure clear accountability for engineering deliverables within the team.
  • Hands-On Technical Contribution: Maintain active involvement in engineering work, focusing on complex analysis, design, and problem-solving efforts where senior level expertise is required. Serve as a key contributor to critical projects and design reviews.
  • Project Oversight: Serve as the technical authority for high-complexity projects, establishing design parameters, leading design reviews, and ensuring sound engineering judgment is applied across all work. Ensure projects meet safety, quality, and performance benchmarks while adhering to timelines and budgets.
  • Engineering Throughput & Efficiency: Improve team productivity by reducing rework, streamlining decision making, and ensuring efficient execution of engineering deliverables. Identify and address bottlenecks that limit the team's ability to scale with increasing workload.
  • Innovation & Strategy: Drive research initiatives to identify emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies for next-generation equipment. Establish best practices for design, testing, and implementation within the team.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as primary liaison between the engineering team, executive leadership, and key clients. Communicate project status, risks, and technical solutions effectively, and ensure alignment between engineering execution and organizational priorities.
  • Quality & Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with industry regulations, applicable codes and standards and the internal Barnhart Quality Management System. Oversee validation testing, prototype evaluations, and continuous improvement processes.
  • Operational Support: Provide technical leadership during critical lift operations and troubleshoot complex engineering challenges in real time.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and performance bonus
  • 401(k) program with company match up to10% of pay
  • Family medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and other benefits
  • Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities

PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.
MINDS OVER MATTER - Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.
NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.
CULTURE - Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.
EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran
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