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Summer Engineering Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Over the summer, interns will apply skills they've acquired through education to their technical ... Process Engineering Intern: Contributed to the startup activities of a new chemical process ...

Summer Internship

Etowah, TN · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Over the summer, interns will apply skills they've acquired through education to their technical ... Process Engineering Intern : Contributed to the startup activities of a new chemical process ...

Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

A Day in the Life Our summer internships are full-time (40 hours/week), paid positions lasting 10-11 weeks. We offer competitive compensation, educational and social programming throughout the summer ...

Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Memphis, TN

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

A Day in the Life Our summer internships are full-time (40 hours/week), paid positions lasting 10-11 weeks. We offer competitive compensation, educational and social programming throughout the summer ...

Engineering ( Summer Intern)

Tullahoma, TN

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Engineering (Summer Intern) Location : Tullahoma, TN- Arnold AFB Canvas is accepting resumes for ... This internship provides a hands-on learning experience directly related to responsibilities that ...

Engineering ( Summer Intern)

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Engineering (Summer Intern) Location : Tullahoma, TN- Arnold AFB Canvas is accepting resumes for ... This internship provides a hands-on learning experience directly related to responsibilities that ...

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Summer Engineering Internship information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do summer engineering internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer engineering internship in Tennessee is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer engineering internship?

A Summer Engineering Internship is a temporary, often paid, position offered to students or recent graduates in engineering. These internships typically last for 8-12 weeks during the summer and provide hands-on experience in various engineering fields, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering. Interns work on real-world projects under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping them apply classroom knowledge, develop technical skills, and explore potential career paths. Completing a summer engineering internship can also improve a student's resume and increase their chances of securing a full-time job after graduation.

What types of projects does a summer engineering intern typically work on, and how much autonomy do they have?

Summer Engineering Interns are often assigned to support ongoing projects alongside experienced engineers, working on tasks such as data analysis, prototyping, testing, or process improvements. Interns usually have defined responsibilities within a project team, but they are also encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative on small assignments under supervision. The level of autonomy can grow as interns demonstrate reliability and technical competence, allowing them to manage portions of a project independently while receiving regular guidance and feedback from mentors.

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

To thrive as a Summer Engineering Intern, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and coursework in your chosen engineering discipline. Familiarity with CAD software, programming languages, or lab equipment—depending on the field—as well as experience with tools like MATLAB or SolidWorks, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help interns stand out and integrate quickly into project teams. These skills and qualities are important for contributing meaningfully to projects, adapting to new challenges, and maximizing the learning experience during the internship.

What is the difference between Summer Engineering Internship vs Engineering Co-op?

AspectSummer Engineering InternshipEngineering Co-op
DurationTypically 8-12 weeks during summerUsually 4-12 months, alternating semesters
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary placement in industryIntegrated with academic schedule, ongoing work
CredentialsEnrolled in an engineering program, no certification requiredEnrolled in an engineering program, may require academic credit
PurposeGain industry experience, explore career optionsApply academic knowledge, earn academic credit, build long-term relationships

While both Summer Engineering Internships and Engineering Co-ops provide valuable industry experience for engineering students, internships are typically shorter, summer-only roles focused on project work. Co-ops are longer, integrated with academic schedules, and often involve multiple work terms, offering deeper industry immersion and academic credit opportunities.

Is it too late to apply for summer engineering internships?

The availability of summer engineering internships depends on the company and application deadlines, which typically range from early spring to early summer. Some programs may still accept applications if positions are open, but many deadlines have passed, so it is advisable to check specific company websites promptly.

What are the best summer engineering internships for engineering students?

The best summer engineering internships for students typically include programs at leading technology, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing companies such as Google, NASA, Tesla, and General Electric. These internships often offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to work with industry-standard tools like CAD software and programming languages such as Python or C++. Applicants usually need strong academic records, relevant coursework, and sometimes prior project or research experience.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Summer Engineering Internship jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Summer Engineering Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Engineering Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, 52% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,463 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Nuclear Engineering Internship - Summer 2027

Kairos Power

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world's transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal to dramatically improve people's quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety, affordable costs, and flexible operation to accommodate the expansion of variable renewables.
Please note: This is a pipeline posting for anticipated Summer 2027 internship opportunities. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as internship positions are approved and hiring needs are identified.
Job Summary
Kairos Power is offering exciting opportunities for students to join our Nuclear Engineering organization for Summer 2027. This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the analytical tools, computational methods, and engineering infrastructure supporting the safety case for the Hermes Reactor and future commercial reactor fleet.
Interns will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on meaningful technical projects involving reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, structural materials, computational modeling, licensing, and nuclear safety analysis. Contributions from each intern play an important role in advancing Kairos Power's mission to deliver innovative nuclear technology that addresses climate change.
Areas with potential internship opportunities:
  • Core Design (Radiation Transport and Shielding Design, Radiation Detection, Reactor Physics (Neutronics and Thermal Hydraulics), and Fuel Cycle Analysis)
  • Thermal and Safety Methods - KP-SAM Code Development
  • Fuel Performance - KP-BISON
  • Source Term Modeling Development
  • Structural Materials Analysis
  • Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Methods and Analysis
  • Nuclear Critical/Safety Analysis
  • Licensing Engineering
  • Overall Analysis support such as Piping and Layout Analysis and Thermal Design and Rapid Technology Development Analysis

General Responsibilities
  • Support the design, development, verification, and validation of analytical tools, computational models, and engineering methods supporting reactor safety and performance analyses.
  • Perform engineering analyses and computational modeling related to assigned technical focus areas such as reactor physics, radiation transport, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, or nuclear safety.
  • Assist with research and technology development projects focused on improving reactor safety, performance, efficiency, and commercialization.
  • Support verification and validation of engineering models through comparison with experimental data, benchmark problems, or reference solutions.
  • Analyze engineering data and prepare technical documentation supporting engineering decisions and technology development.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges and support project objectives.
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, presentations, and project documentation to communicate technical results and recommendations.
  • Participate in technical reviews, team meetings, and cross-functional discussions to broaden understanding of multidisciplinary reactor engineering.
  • Engage in training, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities to strengthen technical and professional development.
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation and organized project records supporting knowledge transfer and engineering quality.
  • Follow established engineering practices, safety procedures, and quality requirements throughout assigned work.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Current student enrolled in and pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with an emphasis in nuclear reactor applications.
  • Demonstrated application of technical skills outside of the classroom through laboratory work, research, extracurricular projects, personal projects, or prior internship/work experience is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with engineering analysis, computational modeling, or scientific computing tools. Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages is preferred.
  • Exposure to physics-based modeling through coursework or research involving neutronics, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics, CFD, or related technical areas.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Self-starter, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with highly collaborative team
  • Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
  • Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others
  • Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
  • Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Working knowledge of nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
  • Understanding of engineering fundamentals including reactor physics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, radiation transport, or related engineering disciplines applicable to assigned work.
  • Ability to apply analytical thinking and engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
  • Familiarity with scientific computing, computational modeling, numerical methods, and engineering simulation tools.
  • Basic understanding of verification and validation principles for engineering analyses and computational models.
  • Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret engineering and experimental data to support technical decision-making.
  • Ability to develop clear, accurate, and organized engineering documentation including technical reports, engineering calculations, and presentations.
  • Familiarity with programming or scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, or similar engineering software tools is desirable.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality technical work.
  • Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new engineering concepts, computational methods, software tools, and reactor technologies.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced engineering and research environment.
  • Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
  • Ability to proactively document, organize, and share technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

Physical Conditions
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions
  • General office environment
  • Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
  • High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE
  • Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
  • Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
  • Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

The hourly range for this position is $31-35 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.
About our Benefits
We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:
  • Competitive compensation packages
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents
  • Paid Vacation
  • 401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)

Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives.
Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.
Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.
Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy's general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/10/appendix-A_to_part_810