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

New Balance Sports Research Team Intern Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport ... They will support the Apparel Innovation teams by focusing on human performance (physiology ...

New

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 ...

Sports Performance Intern information

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$9

$18

$26

How much do sports performance intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports 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 is a sports performance intern?

Sports Performance Interns are students or recent graduates who assist professional trainers, coaches, and sports scientists in optimizing athletes' physical performance. Their responsibilities often include helping with training sessions, collecting and analyzing performance data, and supporting injury prevention programs. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in the sports performance industry, allowing interns to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Interns typically work under supervision and may also help with administrative or logistical tasks related to athlete development.

What does a sports performance intern do?

As a Sports Performance Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as assisting with athlete assessments, helping design and implement training programs, and supporting coaches during workouts and recovery sessions. You may also be tasked with data collection and analysis, maintaining equipment, and contributing to educational sessions on topics like nutrition or injury prevention. Interns often work closely with sports performance staff, athletic trainers, and athletes, gaining valuable experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role provides a great opportunity to develop practical skills and build professional relationships in the sports industry.

How much do sports performance interns get paid?

Sports performance interns typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the organization, location, and level of experience. Some internships may be unpaid or offer stipends, especially in competitive or volunteer-based programs. Compensation can also include college credit or professional development opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports performance intern?

To thrive as a Sports Performance Intern, you need a foundational understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, often supported by coursework or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with strength and conditioning equipment, fitness assessment tools, and data tracking software like TeamBuildr or Excel is typically required. Strong communication, initiative, and adaptability help you work effectively with athletes, coaches, and staff in a dynamic environment. These skills and qualities are vital for supporting athlete development, ensuring safety, and maximizing learning during the internship.

What job categories do people searching Sports Performance Intern jobs in Needham, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Performance Intern jobs in Needham, MA are:

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

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

Sports Research Engineer Intern

New Balance

Brighton, MA • On-site

$34/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 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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