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Sport Performance Intern Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Strong communication skills-you can explain technical concepts to anyone from intern to CTO * ... We operate like a professional sports team. We win as a team by holding ourselves and each other to ...

Sport Performance Intern information

See Needham, MA salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do sport performance intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sport performance intern in Needham, MA is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sport Performance Intern, you typically need a background in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, often supported by coursework or certifications in strength and conditioning. Familiarity with performance-tracking software, fitness assessment tools, and data analysis systems is frequently required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help interns build rapport with athletes and coaches while learning in dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting athlete development, ensuring safety, and contributing effectively to a high-performance team.

What is a sport performance intern?

A Sport Performance Intern is typically a student or recent graduate who assists with various aspects of athletic performance programs under the supervision of professional coaches or trainers. Their responsibilities often include helping with strength and conditioning sessions, collecting and analyzing performance data, and supporting athletes with injury prevention and recovery. This internship provides hands-on experience in sports science, exercise physiology, and coaching in a real-world setting. It is a valuable opportunity for those looking to pursue a career in sports performance, athletic training, or related fields.

What is the difference between Sport Performance Intern vs Strength and Conditioning Intern?

AspectSport Performance InternStrength and Conditioning Intern
CredentialsOften requires related coursework or certifications like CSCS or NSCASimilar certifications; often the same certifications are preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks with athletes in sports teams, gyms, or training facilitiesWorks primarily in gyms, training centers, or sports facilities with athletes
Industry UsageCommonly used in sports teams, athletic programs, and fitness centersPrimarily used in athletic training, sports performance, and fitness industries

The Sport Performance Intern and Strength and Conditioning Intern roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. Both focus on improving athletic performance through training and conditioning. The main difference lies in the specific focus: Sport Performance Interns often work directly with athletes in sports settings, while Strength and Conditioning Interns may have a broader scope including general fitness and rehabilitation programs.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a sport performance intern expect during their internship?

As a Sport Performance Intern, you can expect to assist with athlete testing, data collection, and analysis related to strength, conditioning, and recovery. You'll often help set up and break down training equipment, observe and sometimes participate in coaching sessions, and contribute to research or program development under supervision. Collaboration with coaches, athletic trainers, and other interns is common, providing valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork. The internship is hands-on, offering insight into both daily operational tasks and the scientific aspects of sports performance.

What cities near Needham, MA are hiring for Sport Performance Intern jobs?

Cities near Needham, MA with the most Sport Performance Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Sport Performance Intern job openings in Needham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,602 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Sports Research Engineer Intern

New Balance

Brighton, MA • On-site

$34/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


New Balance rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

New Balance Sports Research Team Intern

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

The New Balance Sports Research Team is a multidisciplinary group of innovators focused on pushing the boundaries of human performance through scientific exploration. We deliver authentic, data driven insights to New Balance teams with the mission of creating best-in-class products and experiences. We utilize our state of the art 17,000 square foot research space, consisting of running tracks, turf & court surfaces, body scanners, environmental chamber, high speed force treadmills, and much more to answer tomorrow's footwear and apparel questions.

We are seeking a one-year research intern who is action oriented, adaptable, collaborative, inclusive and drives results within our innovation research portfolio in both human performance and product material testing. The candidate will contribute to New Balance's innovative and entrepreneurial culture by analyzing the boundaries of possibility while leading projects that will maximize athlete performance. They will support the Apparel Innovation teams by focusing on human performance (physiology, biomechanics, and athlete insights) and product research, delivering data-driven insights to cross functional business units that enable best-in-class apparel innovation.

This is a one-year assignment based out of our Sports Research Lab in Boston, MA.

Major Responsibilities:
  • Support apparel innovation research across running and sport portfolios with a focus on biomechanics, physiology, and athlete insights.
  • Participate as a creative scientist evaluating new technologies, methods, and analyses techniques.
  • Evaluate a wide variety of human performance data (kinematics, kinetics, and perception) to uncover holistic insights that inspire product creation teams and produce authentic performance experiences for our customers.
  • Operate equipment including motion analysis cameras, force plates, temperature sensors, etc.
  • Assist in creating and delivering research reports to cross-functional teams.
  • Work cooperatively on multiple projects simultaneously.
Requirements for Success:
  • A degree in engineering, biomechanics, kinesiology, physiology, exercise science or related field.
  • Demonstrated understanding and passion for running and/or sport.
  • Desire to participate in novel research to elevate performance with apparel
  • Strong data analysis skills, with programming experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

Sports Research Lab, Brighton MA Only Pay Range: $34.00 Hourly (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits

New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.


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