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Special Effects Engineering Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

androidind

Engineering Intern

Warren, MI

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

ENGINEERING INTERN JOB SUMMARY: We have an opportunity for an Engineering Intern at our Avancez ... Develop Process Failure Mode Effects and Analysis in a cross functional group * Assess production ...

Avancez Assembly

Engineering Intern

Warren, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

ENGINEERING INTERN JOB SUMMARY: We have an opportunity for an Engineering Intern at our Avancez ... Develop Process Failure Mode Effects and Analysis in a cross functional group * Assess production ...

Tech Tammina

Engineering Intern

Columbus, NE · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Engineering Intern Location: Columbus, NE Duration: 3 Months Qualifications: Pursuing Bachelors of ... Comments/Special Instructions Overtime as required. Working on a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical ...

Tech Tammina

Engineering Intern

Columbus, NE · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Company Description Engineering Intern Location: Columbus, NE Duration: 3 Months Qualifications ... Comments/Special Instructions Overtime as required. Working on a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical ...

AAK

Engineering Intern

Richmond, CA · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Engineering Intern Making Better Happen Our story goes back more than 150 years, tothe windy coast ... Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close ...

Ducommun

Engineering Intern

Carson, CA

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Engineering Intern Ducommun is seeking summer interns to join our team for a 10-week internship ... Conducts assembly work, test set up and documentation, and other tasks which require special care ...

Ducommun

Engineering Intern

Carson, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Engineering Intern Ducommun is seeking summer interns to join our team for a 10-week internship ... Conducts assembly work, test set up and documentation, and other tasks which require special care ...

Prysmian Group

Engineering Intern

Jackson, TN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

... oriented Manufacturing Engineering Intern to help standardize and improve our shop-floor ... Document potential failure modes, causes/effects, current controls; calculate RPN and help define ...

PrysmianGroup

Engineering Intern

Jackson, TN

$16 - $20.75/hr

... oriented Manufacturing Engineering Intern to help standardize and improve our shop-floor ... Document potential failure modes, causes/effects, current controls; calculate RPN and help define ...

Ducommun

Engineering Intern

Carson, CA

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Engineering Intern Ducommun is seeking summer interns to join our team for a 10-week internship ... Conducts assembly work, test set up and documentation, and other tasks which require special care ...

Ducommun, Inc.

Engineering Intern

Carson, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Engineering Intern Ducommun is seeking summer interns to join our team for a 10-week internship ... Conducts assembly work, test set up and documentation, and other tasks which require special care ...

Royal Oak

Engineering Intern

Greenville, TX · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

The Engineering Intern will have an opportunity to learn and/or use basic engineering and lean ... Flexibility to address special projects as they arise. * Assist in continuous improvement efforts ...

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Special Effects Engineering Intern information

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How much do special effects engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for special effects engineering intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can a Special Effects Engineering Intern expect during their internship?

As a Special Effects Engineering Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of exciting projects that blend engineering with creativity, such as building mechanical rigs, programming control systems, or assisting with pyrotechnics and animatronics. Interns often work closely with senior engineers and artists to prototype, test, and troubleshoot effects used in film, television, or live events. The work is highly collaborative and fast-paced, requiring effective communication and adaptability. This role provides valuable exposure to industry-standard tools and processes, and can lead to further opportunities in special effects or related engineering fields.

What does a Special Effects Engineering Intern do?

A Special Effects Engineering Intern assists in designing, building, and testing practical and digital effects for film, television, theme parks, or live events. Their responsibilities may include working with mechanical devices, electronics, pyrotechnics, and computer software to help create realistic visual and audio effects. Interns often collaborate with senior engineers and artists, gaining hands-on experience in planning, prototyping, and troubleshooting effects. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in the technical side of entertainment production and engineering innovation.

What is the difference between Special Effects Engineering Intern vs Visual Effects Intern?

AspectSpecial Effects Engineering InternVisual Effects Intern
Required CredentialsEngineering background, technical skillsDesign, digital art, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, live productions, outdoor locationsPost-production studios, digital workstations
Employer & Industry UsageFilm, theater, live eventsFilm, television, gaming
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for effects creation roles in entertainment

The Special Effects Engineering Intern focuses on designing and implementing practical effects using engineering principles, often working on physical effects on set or location. In contrast, the Visual Effects Intern typically works on digital effects during post-production, utilizing software to create CGI and compositing. Both roles require creative skills, but their environments and tools differ significantly, catering to different stages of the production process.

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

To thrive as a Special Effects Engineering Intern, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles, basic fabrication techniques, and a relevant academic background such as a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and safety protocols is often required, along with hands-on experience in workshop environments. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help interns contribute effectively to dynamic project teams and adapt to on-set challenges. These skills are vital for designing safe, innovative effects that meet production standards and support the overall creative vision.
Infographic showing various Special Effects Engineering Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
General Special Effects Technician

General Special Effects Technician

Image Engineering

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description
Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and
fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists,
engineers, event producers, fabricators, and creative thinkers.
We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia
shows for clients such as Rihanna, Jay Z, Tiesto, Lady Gaga, American Idol, America's Got Talent and multiple
professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary
interactive installations for world-class venues including the Staples Center, The John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts, The Smithsonian Institutions, and Walt Disney World.
Our strength lies in our engineering department focuses on creating custom practical special effects that the
world has never seen before. With an in-house team of mechanical, electrical, and integration/ show controls
engineers we are able to design exactly what our clients are looking for from the ground up. Our in-house team of
fabricators and assemblers bring these designs to life with the use of cutting-edge equipment. As our newest
division, permanent and themed entertainment installations are poised as Image Engineering's next chapter of
growth.
Role Description
General SFX Technician
Full Time or Part Time Hourly (On-site)
Weekend Availability Required
Possible Overtime
Benefits Included
Primary Responsibilities:
Safely and consistently deliver high quality onsite technical support to Lead Technicians and/or Project Managers by:
  • Following detailed verbal and written instructions for installing Pyrotechnics, Flame Effects, Lasers, Cryogenics, Lighting and AV.
  • Actively engaging in deployment of special effects to include: Pyrotechnics, Flame Effects, Lasers and Cryogenics deployments under the direction of Lead Technician or Producer.
  • Comprehension of detailed pyrotechnic execution plans.
  • General comprehension of event plots and scenarios.
  • Able to communicate effectively and take direction confidently.
  • General knowledge of common event power scenarios.
  • General knowledge of DMX systems, basic AV systems.
  • Experience with pyrotechnic firing systems such as FireOne and the willingness to learn other firing systems.
  • Collaboratively troubleshooting alongside crew to solve onsite issues.
  • Routinely complete and maintain OSHA and Company-level compliance trainings.
  • Adherence to Company policies and best practices.
  • Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently.
  • Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and pack, and deliver equipment for events while further developing skillsets.
  • Follow detailed verbal and written instructions for packing each show.
  • Inspecting and verifying equipment pack lists and validating equipment condition.
  • Drive Company-owned vehicles to and from locations as specified.
  • Acquire and develop new skillsets involving emerging technologies and practices.
  • Develop relevant knowledge and familiarity with inventory, with a focus on maintenance.

Requirements
  • Able to work evenings, weekends
  • Able to travel nationally for on-site shows
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment
  • Willing to learn how to safely deploy and repair special effects and event production equipment
  • Willing to become DOT Certified in the State of Maryland
  • Willing to become HAZMAT Certified in the State of Maryland
  • Forklift certification preferred; Willing to be certified on and operate forklifts regularly
  • Comfortable utilizing ladders up to 12"
  • Able to frequently walk, bend, squat, balance, lift and carry up to 75 lbs
  • Able to pass background check and drug test
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License required
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • At least one-year job experience preferred

Benefits:
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays / 2x hourly pay rate if working on holiday
  • Overtime pay (1.5x) when working over 40 hours per week
  • John Hancock 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Dependent Care Program
  • Travel Reward Points (hotel, airline, car rental)
  • Employee Referral Bonuses
  • Company perks, including regular in-office treats and social events
  • ...and more!

Salary Description
$20 - $25/hour

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