16 Industrial Engineering Internships for High School Students
TL;DR
This list covers 16 industrial engineering internships for high school students, mostly based at national labs, universities, and aerospace or defense companies. Most run over the summer for roughly 6 to 12 weeks, though a few (like Sandia and INL) also offer year-round options, and some programs let you work remotely from anywhere. Costs vary, with several being free and offering stipends between about $500/week and $4,500 total, while a few charge an application fee or tuition. Eligibility requirements also vary widely, so it’s worth checking all details before making a decision.
If you are interested in industrial engineering and want to explore what it takes to make systems across various industries work better, an internship can be one of the best ways to put that interest to the test in real-world settings. Classroom math and science give you the foundation, but they rarely show you what it’s like to take a messy process, gather data on it, and make a case for how to improve it. An internship puts you in that position, even if only for a few weeks. As an intern, you will get to see how the ideas behind the field, like optimization, process analysis, and statistics, are applied to actual problems in settings such as factories, warehouses, hospitals, and supply chains. It’s also a chance to learn from people who work in the field and to find out which parts of it you enjoy most.
Why should you do an industrial engineering internship?
Industrial engineering rarely shows up in high school classes, so most students only hear about it once they’re already in college. An internship gives you an early look at what these engineers actually do, such as mapping out how a process works, identifying where it slows down, and testing ways to fix it. The experience can also be a good way to see how the field blends math, technology, and people skills, which sets it apart from more specialized branches of engineering. If you’re torn between engineering, business, or data science, an internship can help you figure out whether a mix of them appeals to you. Talking with professionals can also give you a realistic picture of the careers this path can lead to, from roles in supply chain to healthcare operations. You can explore our guide to setting goals for your first internship to get the most out of the experience.
How do you apply for an industrial engineering internship?
Start by reading each program’s requirements, since eligibility often depends on your grade level, age, or location, and make a note of deadlines, costs, and whether it runs online or on-site. Most applications involve a short form, a transcript, and a few written responses about your interests and goals. Some also ask for a teacher recommendation, so give your recommenders plenty of notice. If you don’t have direct experience, that’s fine. You can highlight math or science classes, robotics or business clubs, part-time jobs where you noticed ways to make things run better, or any project you’ve done on your own. Additionally, our guide to applying for internships without any experience can be your next read if you are trying to land your first-ever internship.
To help you shortlist relevant options, we have put together a list of 16 industrial engineering internships for high school students. Our selected options typically offer rigorous hands-on exposure to the field and connect you with professionals to help you build early connections.
If you are looking for broader opportunities in engineering, check out our selection of engineering internships and engineering camps.
National lab internship, university-led program, or remote work: Which is right for you?
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
National lab and government research programs |
NIST SHIP, AFRL Scholars Program, SEAP, NASA OSTEM Internships, Internships at Idaho National Laboratory, AEOP Internships, Sandia Internships |
Free; stipends ranging from ~$500/week to $4,000 – 4,500 for the summer |
Students, typically U.S. citizens, who want a paid, structured research or technical placement at a federal or national lab |
|
Aerospace and defense company internships |
Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship, Textron Aviation High School Internship Program |
No cost; stipends available |
Students interested in defense or aviation industries who want hands-on exposure to real operational or engineering work; these internships typically require you to live near a participating site |
|
University research programs |
RSI (MIT/Stanford), Princeton LLP, Northeastern YSP, LSU High School Summer Research Program, George Mason ASSIP |
Cost: Free to $1,299 |
Students seeking mentored research on a university campus, though many of these are limited to students living in or near the host state |
|
Remote and mentorship-based programs |
Cost varies with aid available; SPARK SMP may offer stipends |
Students who want a flexible, mentor-led experience, whether fully virtual or working remotely/in-person with a professional on a specific project |
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10.4% acceptance rate; 35 students in the last cohort
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0+; applicants must be U.S. citizens living within 50 miles of either of the NIST campuses.
NIST labs host a small group of high school students every summer through SHIP, a seven-week lab internship. You will join one of six laboratories to engage in lab work and research, with opportunities spanning a range of engineering disciplines, including industrial engineering. Your daily schedule may include using advanced tech and tools, running experiments, working with materials science or measurement science data, or assisting with a technical investigation. At the end of seven weeks, you will share your project findings with peers and professionals in the form of a poster.
Who it’s best for: Students close to NIST campuses in Colorado or Maryland who want to spend the summer working on lab projects within a government agency.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for opportunities to work with startups on real projects in a fully remote format.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free; ~$506.80 stipend/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically selective
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically minimum commitment of 8 weeks required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, spring, and fall. Application deadline: Summer: January 11 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid program that allows high school and college students to contribute to STEM projects at Air Force research facilities. You will join a team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various engineering areas, including industrial engineering. Over the course of eight weeks or more, you will work in the assigned lab under the supervision of scientists, learn about Air Force R&D, and explore advanced research in STEM. Tasks can vary by placement: you may test prototypes or engineering systems, work with large datasets, or run experiments. This can be an opportunity to explore careers in research and build early professional connections.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to work within Air Force research labs on real science and engineering projects.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy labs (multiple sites in the country)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend for new participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who have completed at least grade 9 and are U.S. citizens; some labs may be open to permanent residents or dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
Each year, SEAP places high schoolers in Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real naval research. At your assigned naval research lab, you will work on projects in STEM alongside scientists and engineers. Placements span a range of disciplines, including industrial engineering. Depending on placement, you may assist with experiment design, software development and design, data analysis, testing and analysis of various systems, and lab-based work. While the day-to-day responsibilities can vary by site, you will find opportunities to connect with researchers, tour labs, and learn about potential paths in research and STEM. Additionally, you will get to shadow STEM professionals and participate in seminars and technical meetings.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid internship focused on naval tech and STEM research.
5. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
Location: NASA centers across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available, with the amount based on academic level and session length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2,000+ students/year
Dates: Summer: 10 weeks | Fall and spring: 15 weeks
Application deadline: Summer session: March 1 | Fall session: May 24 | Spring: TBA
Eligibility: High school seniors who are applying for sessions right after graduation or college students; applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 by the session start date, and have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NASA offers internships throughout the year through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), pairing students with NASA mentors to work on projects. You will engage in project-based work designed to help you build technical and workplace skills across science, tech, and engineering fields. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on technical assignments, practicing coding, data analysis, or research, depending on your placement. The experience can introduce you to career paths at NASA, as well as to soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
Who it's best for: Students who want a paid, project-based engineering experience at NASA.
6. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 to 16 weeks; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Full-time students attending accredited high schools or colleges with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; international students at accredited U.S. institutions must have valid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
Internships at INL let college and high school students experience what it is like to work at a national laboratory in STEM areas such as industrial engineering, systems engineering, energy, and more. You will work on lab projects, participate in facility tours, attend seminars, and access networking opportunities during the program. You will also get to work closely with INL professionals who may serve as mentors and offer insights into career paths in STEM. The internship will end with a final project presentation.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in working at a national laboratory on engineering projects.
7. Research Science Institute (RSI) @ MIT and Stanford
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $75 non-refundable application fee (waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2.5% acceptance rate; ~100 students at MIT; ~50 students at Stanford
Dates: MIT: June 20 – July 31; Stanford: June 27 – August 7
Application deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors from around the world; RSI recommends applicants meet a few academic requirements.
RSI is a selective summer program that lets high school students explore and engage in STEM research over six weeks at the MIT or Stanford University campus. You will begin with one week of seminars learning about topics in STEM and the humanities. Over the next five weeks, you will work on a research project alongside a mentor and spend time in Stanford or MIT labs. You can work on an industrial engineering project. In the final week, you will complete and deliver formal oral and written presentations to share your research findings with peers and STEM professionals. The schedule will include opportunities to connect with scientists and go on field trips to nearby science and tech facilities.
Who it’s best for: Students who want to spend the summer conducting rigorous research on a university campus.
8. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships and Fellowships
Location: University labs and U.S. Army research laboratories and centers across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; educational stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; typically selective
Dates: June – August; dates can vary by opportunity.
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; specific roles may have additional criteria.
AEOP Internships are paid research opportunities sponsored by the U.S. Army, at university labs and Army research laboratories and centers around the country. You will work under the mentorship of a professional scientist or engineer and learn how a working research lab operates. Placements span a range of disciplines, including industrial engineering. You will also get access to the AEOP Learning Hub, which has master classes, workshops, and webinars on STEM careers and research areas. Outreach specialists will offer one-on-one support with college readiness, professional skills, and graduate school or job applications.
Who it’s best for: Students who want a paid, mentored, in-person research opportunity within a STEM lab.
9. Internships @ Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, or Albuquerque, NM
Cost/Stipend: Free; competitive hourly pay available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; the number of spots can vary by role
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks) available
Application deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, enrolled full-time at accredited colleges, universities, or high schools; applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for R&D, technical, and business positions, or 2.5 for clerical or laborer positions.
Sandia is a national laboratory that places you alongside professionals in technical and business units to work on real projects tied to national goals. Many internships run through Sandia’s Intern Institute Programs, where a team will guide and mentor you on projects that match your technical interests, with placements in industrial engineering typically available. Here, you will also access professional development and social activities. Summer internships may require up to 40 hours a week, and during the school year, you may work up to 25 hours a week. You may also receive research mentorship from scientists and engineers, academic credit for some co-op and other internships, and, in some cases, a path to a full-time job offer.
Who it’s best for: Students who want hands-on lab work experiences and can commute to Sandia’s facilities in California or New Mexico.
10. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Lockheed Martin sites in Cape Canaveral, FL; Denver, CO; Herndon, VA; Sunnyvale, CA; King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA; Huntsville, AL
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available (rate not listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application deadline: January 3; applications open on November 2.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship, currently enrolled at a local high school within commuting distance of a participating facility; high school seniors graduating in May are not eligible.
This internship lets you work alongside Lockheed Martin Space's professionals to gain hands-on exposure to defense technology, engineering, and aerospace projects for nine weeks or more. Beyond your assigned project work, the program will offer mentoring and leader shadowing, on-the-job training, and professional development workshops to help refine your technical and workplace skills. You will also engage in community service, tours of Lockheed Martin facilities, networking events, and social activities. The experience can introduce you to workplace expectations and career paths in defense and aerospace industries.
Who it's best for: Students near a participating Lockheed Martin Space facility who want paid, hands-on exposure to the aerospace industry.
11. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1 – 2 students/lab selected out of ~3,000 applications
Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, who attend New Jersey high schools, are U.S. citizens, and are able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey
Princeton’s LLP is an in-person summer internship that lets you work with faculty and research staff on real projects in science and engineering. The project focus and tasks vary by placement, but can include projects in industrial engineering. You may engage in modeling, lab work, data analysis, and/or scientific writing, depending on the project scope. You will engage in a full-time summer workload set by the assigned Princeton lab and complete safety training before starting work. At the end, you will complete a two-page research summary describing your research work.
Who it’s best for: New Jersey students looking for a free lab-based summer experience on a university campus.
12. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: Remote or in-person in Seattle, WA (other sites may also be available)
Cost/Stipend: Small registration fee and project costs may apply; stipend-based and unpaid opportunities are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the number varies by project and year
Dates: June – August (duration and start and end dates vary by role)
Application deadline: Typically, April/May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
SPARK SMP connects high school students to project teams led by mentors who are professionals from industry, academia, or research. As a participant, you will spend the summer contributing to real projects in tech, science, or engineering, depending on your mentor’s ongoing work. You may work on industrial engineering projects while learning how real workplaces operate. Your mentor will outline the project scope and discuss the deliverables at the start of the placement, but you will be responsible for working on and completing the project. You may gain experience in technical problem-solving and access professional development opportunities depending on the mentor. The experience may end with a presentation of project outcomes.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for mentored work experiences and opportunities to collaborate with professionals on technical engineering projects.
13. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Textron Aviation, Wichita, KS; other sites may also be available
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer Program: June 8 – July 31 + Orientation on June 4; Fall and Spring Programs run on a school-compatible schedule.
Application deadline: TBA; Summer Program applications open in January, Fall Program applications open in June, and Spring Program applications open in October
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up
Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time internships across multiple career areas, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in the aviation industry. You can choose the Engineering or Manufacturing track to help with production, process improvement initiatives, operational projects, reviewing technical information, material management, and supporting other projects tied to aircraft design and build. You may spend most of your time working in either an office or shop floor setting depending on the role. You can also explore tracks like Aviation Maintenance to learn about aircraft service, assembly, and inspection. Regardless of track, you will support real operational and project-based work rather than shadowing alone, gaining firsthand insight into the work of a large aircraft manufacturer.
Who it's best for: Students interested in the aerospace or aviation industries who want paid, hands-on exposure to the operations of a major aircraft manufacturer.
14. Northeastern University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: March 1; application opens on December 14.
Eligibility: Students entering grade 12 in the fall who are permanent Massachusetts residents living in the state year-round and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
YSP is a free, hands-on research program for Massachusetts students who have just finished their junior year of high school. You will join a research laboratory in one of Northeastern's Colleges of Engineering, Science, or Health Sciences and work on a project with faculty mentors. You may work on industrial engineering research. You will also attend an Introduction to Engineering seminar series with engineering professors and graduate students, and participate in field trips to corporate and government sites. The program will include sessions on engineering education and careers, as well as college and career counseling with program coordinators and mentors.
Who it's best for: Massachusetts students interested in engineering or science research who can attend a full-time, in-person program on Northeastern's campus.
15. Louisiana State University College of Engineering High School Summer Research Program
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Summer program (dates TBA); commitment of 15 – 20 hours per week or ~120 – 140 hours in total
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle; typically, February 6
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, or 11th graders who are at least 15 and have a 3.5 (or equivalent) high school GPA
The LSU College of Engineering’s High School Summer Research Program places you inside a faculty-led research group to work on questions in engineering, computing, and construction management. You will work on a project, with research work typically available in industrial engineering, under the guidance of a professor and graduate and undergraduate mentors. As a participant, you will explore how research teams work. Workshops on research ethics, best practices, safety, and communication will help you understand the standards that govern technical work. At the end of the program, you will deliver a poster presentation to share your project findings with peers and mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for hands-on engineering research exposure and mentorship in a university environment.
16. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual or George Mason University and affiliated sites in Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition (fee waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: TBA for next cycle; typically, June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: TBA for next cycle; typically, February 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 15 years old for remote internships or 16+ for in-person/wet-lab opportunities
ASSIP allows students to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason University on active research projects in science, math, engineering, and tech. Placements span various STEM fields, including systems and industrial engineering, where you will contribute to projects on topics like electric vehicles, simulation, or water security, and engage in research focused on building resilient infrastructure systems. In the process, you will learn how to work with lab equipment, advanced tech, and research tools, and develop scientific writing and communication skills. You will leave with three credits from George Mason University.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in research who want to work closely with faculty mentors in virtual or university-based lab settings.
What skills can you pick up in industrial engineering internships?
You will likely get to practice analytical thinking, starting with breaking a process into steps to collecting data and drawing conclusions from it. Depending on the program, you may work with tools like Excel, basic statistics, flowcharts, or simulation software, and some introduce Python or process-mapping methods like Lean and Six Sigma. Math comes into play through topics such as probability, optimization, and data analysis, so you will see how classroom concepts get used on real problems. You will also build softer skills that matter just as much, including working in a team, communicating your findings clearly, and presenting a recommendation to people who may not know the technical details.
Can an industrial engineering internship help with your college applications?
It can, particularly if you’re planning to apply for engineering, business, operations, or data-related majors. A relevant internship shows admissions officers that you’ve done your homework and have a clear reason for choosing an industrial engineering major. A completed project, such as a process improvement proposal, a data analysis, or a simulation, will give you something specific to describe in your application. It can also make for a strong essay or interview topic, since you’ll have a real problem you worked on and lessons you took from it. If a mentor or supervisor gets to know your work well, they may be able to write you a more personal recommendation letter.
Questions students often ask about these industrial engineering internships
1. Will I actually work on improving a process or system, or mostly learn about industrial engineering concepts in theory?
Most of these internships involve hands-on, applied work, such as analyzing data, mapping out a process, or testing ways to improve a system, rather than just classroom-style learning. That said, how much practical work you do depends on your specific placement and mentor.
2. What kind of deliverable can I expect to produce by the end of the internship?
Many programs end with some kind of final output, such as a poster presentation, a written research summary, or a project showcase, where you share what you worked on and what you found. The format and depth of this deliverable can vary depending on the length and structure of the program.
3. Will I work on my own independent project, or support a team's existing work?
This also depends on the program. Some internships assign you to support an ongoing research or operational project led by a mentor or team, while others give you more ownership over a specific project or research question that you're expected to develop and present largely on your own. If you are looking to work on real projects with startups, Ladder Internships can place you in a fully remote work arrangement.
4. How long do these internships typically run, and does that affect how much I can accomplish?
Program lengths range from about five weeks to a full summer or even a multi-month commitment. A longer program generally gives you more time to go deeper into a single project rather than just getting an overview. If you're weighing options, it's worth considering how much time you can commit and what level of depth you want.