Updated October 2026
TL;DR
These 15 engineering internships offer high school students in Indiana ways to explore biomedical research, software development, precision manufacturing, and construction. Depending on the placement, students may contribute to laboratory research, write code, interpret drawings, or support supervised production work. Options span summer projects and academic-year experiences. Ladder Internships offers an eight-week online startup experience with interest-based project matching and company coaching.
How does an idea become a device that works reliably or a component that fits precisely? Engineering answers these questions by defining problems, testing solutions, and improving designs. An engineering internship can help Indiana high school students connect classroom concepts with the practical decisions behind working systems. Experience can also reveal how evidence, safety, and resource constraints shape technical work.
These selections reflect engineering relevance, high school participation, and access through Indiana locations or an online format.
For more local possibilities, explore these summer internships for high school students in Indiana. To explore the field beyond the state, take a look at these engineering internships for high school students.
Why should you do an engineering internship?
An engineering internship can help you understand how mathematical and scientific ideas hold up against practical constraints. Working through technical problems can also help you recognize which kinds of engineering questions keep you interested. Explore interest-matched startup projects through Ladder Internships.
What skills can you pick up in engineering internships?
Engineering internships can strengthen technical reasoning, careful measurement, and clear communication. The mix may include interpreting technical information, assessing results, and explaining why a proposed solution meets a requirement. Learning to document decisions and respond to feedback also helps you contribute responsibly to a technical team.
How do you choose the right option?
Consider several factors before applying, including your grade level, location, academic background, schedule, and budget. You should also check requirements related to citizenship, residency, coursework, or GPA, as these can vary significantly!
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
Academic and Biomedical Research |
Purdue Fort Wayne Research, Weldon Summer Research, SEED/STEM, Notre Dame Research |
Free - $320 tuition/semester; stipend ~$4,000 |
Students interested in scientific investigation, university laboratories, or engineering applications in human health |
|
Industry and Naval Engineering |
Free; stipends $12/hr - $4,500 |
Students drawn to infrastructure, medical-device development, or defense technology |
|
|
Manufacturing and Skilled Trades |
MSP CNC Machinist, Cimtech Manufacturing, Lippert Scholars, Precision Medical Finishing, Nix Skilled Trade |
Free; stipends $16/hr - $17/hr |
Students who prefer practical production environments and want to explore machining, fabrication, or manufacturing quality |
|
Construction and Building Systems |
Free; stipend $15/hr |
Students interested in construction management, building services, or the relationship between technical plans and field work |
|
|
Virtual Programs |
Fee-based (financial aid available) |
Students interested in software or AI projects within an online startup environment |
1. Purdue University High School Research Internship Program
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $320 tuition per one-credit semester for Indiana residents; financial aid may be available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Academic year; semester-based, up to four semesters
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 by the first day of Purdue Fort Wayne’s academic calendar; have a minimum 3.0 GPA and only As and Bs in completed high school classes; have reliable transportation to campus
You join a faculty mentor’s existing research project, with potential placements in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. You conduct research for approximately six to eight hours weekly and earn one college credit per completed semester.
Who is it best for: Students who want sustained faculty-guided research and are willing to explore engineering opportunities dependent on mentor availability.
2. Ladder Internships Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% acceptance; 70 students
Dates: Eight-week cohorts in Spring, Summer, Summer II, Fall, and Winter; Winter starts December 7
Application Deadline: November 15 for Winter; other cohort deadlines vary
Eligibility: High school students able to meet their cohort’s weekly workload over eight weeks
You work on a startup project matched to your interests, with software engineering and AI among the available fields. Past interns have coded email and SMS processing systems connected to medical devices and created machine-learning models for a company’s subscriber base. You define deliverables with a company coach and present your completed project to the host company.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore software engineering or applied AI through a mentored startup project.
3. Purdue University, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering – High School Summer Research Internship
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Under 2.5% estimated acceptance; 5 students
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students interested in biomedical engineering research
You contribute to biomedical engineering laboratory projects with university research mentors, with documented examples including behavioral neuroscience and diagnostic-device development. You also join journal clubs, introductory Python sessions, and medical-device company visits, then present your research in a poster session.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore laboratory research linking engineering, medical devices, and human health.
4. Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute – SEED/STEM Summer Program
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Stipend: Up to $4,000, based on financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 79 students (2025 cohort)
Dates: June 7 – July 29
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors at an Indiana high school; have completed at least one high school chemistry course; participate throughout the eight-week program with no more than three missed days.
You contribute to a faculty-mentored research project in a STEM field such as biomedical engineering, collaborating with professional researchers. Your laboratory placement is hosted at the IU School of Medicine, IU Indianapolis, or the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute. You prepare a research poster to share your findings at the end of the summer.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore biomedical engineering through mentored laboratory research and presenting scientific findings.
5. HNTB – Summer High School Intern
Location: Indianapolis and Westfield (Carmel), Indiana
Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not disclosed; typically, employer-specific online applications
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in the junior or senior year of high school
You assist engineers with basic calculations and computer-assisted drafting and design plans under close supervision. You also organize drawing information and support reports, data analysis, and presentations in the assigned department or project.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore infrastructure engineering through supervised calculations, drafting, and project support.
6. Roche Diagnostics – Lawrence North High School Intern - RDS R&D DC Development Network
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Stipend: $12 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: August – April; eight months
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Students attending Lawrence North High School as a senior with a STEM academic focus; have strong written and verbal communication
You explore requirements engineering, system integration and testing, device and software investigations, chemistry, and human factors within a medical-device development network. You contribute to projects, give progress updates, collaborate with stakeholders, and finish with a presentation of your work.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore medical-device engineering through testing, requirements, software investigations, and human factors.
7. Sunco Construction Company, Inc. – Sunco Internship (High School)
Location: Mooresville, Indiana
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Full-time placement starting July 1
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: High school students interested in commercial or residential construction; have basic email, spreadsheet, and document skills
You join site walks, compare drawings and specifications with installed work, and help track progress, materials, and quality corrections. You rotate through construction project activities with day-to-day coaching from project managers and superintendents. You also organize project documentation and track requests for information and submittals.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore construction management, plan reading, and the connection between technical drawings and field work.
8. MSP Manufacturing – CNC Machinist Intern
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Part-time placement starting June 10
Application Deadline: June 9
Eligibility: Follow safety instructions carefully; be dependable, attentive, respectful, and willing to learn
You read engineering drawings, check dimensions with calipers and micrometers, and assist with machine setup and permitted CNC operations under direct supervision. You'll be paired with an experienced CNC machinist, and your responsibilities will expand as you demonstrate safe, competent work. You'll also cover introductory G-code and follow a guided project through production and inspection.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore precision manufacturing through drawings, measurement, and supervised machining.
If you live outside Bloomington or don’t want to commute every day, consider Ladder Internships, which pair you with startups to work on real projects in a fully virtual format.
9. Cimtech – Manufacturing Internship (CNC, Assembly, Fabrication, Utility)
Location: New Albany, Indiana
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Starts March 9; end date not disclosed
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a manufacturing-related course, such as machining, welding, CAD, automation, robotics, or engineering; meet your school program’s academic, attendance, and behavior requirements
You rotate through CNC machining, assembly and fabrication, and utility work to follow how metal becomes a finished product. You assist with mill and lathe operations, welding preparation, material handling, and deburring, while supervisors guide you in blueprint reading and using calipers and micrometers to check part specifications.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore manufacturing and mechanical engineering through machining, assembly, and precision measurement.
10. Lippert Components, Inc. – Lippert Scholars
Location: Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Part-time placement starting August 10
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: High school seniors; have basic computer, reading, writing, and communication skills; be able to interpret manuals and technical drawings
You study engineering drawings, align and weld parts, and train in fabrication and riveting. You combine paid manufacturing work with six Ivy Tech dual-credit hours in MIG welding and blueprint reading, plus preparation for American Welding Society certification.
Who is it best for: Students who want practical experience turning engineering drawings into welded products while exploring advanced manufacturing careers.
11. University of Notre Dame High School Research Internship
Location: Notre Dame and South Bend, Indiana
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~11 students
Dates: August – May
Application Deadline: Not specified; school-based selection
Eligibility: Local high school juniors or seniors from Mishawaka High School, the Career Academy Network, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana Corridor, or the Portage School of Leaders
You conduct laboratory research in STEM, including engineering, with a graduate or postdoctoral mentor. You earn high school credit while combining campus research with Friday group classes and a May poster presentation. You discuss lab research and college preparation at the South Bend Technology Resource Center.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore university engineering or STEM research through sustained laboratory work and researcher mentorship.
12. The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Crane, Indiana
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <10% nationally; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Eight weeks in Summer; possible two-week extension
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Have completed 9th grade; currently high school students or graduating seniors; turn 18 before the internship starts; hold sole U.S. citizenship; be capable of obtaining a security clearance
You assist a mentor with research in Crane’s Strategic Missions, Expeditionary Warfare, or Electronic Warfare departments. Listed project examples include improving interfaces for military information systems and integrating infrared measurements into a finite-element sensor model. You also join research shadowing, group mentoring, and technical team activities.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate computer or electrical engineering through mentored naval research and technical projects.
13. Precision Medical Technologies, Inc. – Finishing Internship
Location: Warsaw, Indiana
Stipend: $16 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Part-time placement starting August 17
Application Deadline: August 17
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an approved high school work-based learning or career and technical education program; meet school, company, age, and safety requirements
You begin with manufacturing quality procedures, specifications, documentation, and inspection before progressing to finishing and welding activities. You work alongside the finishing manager and trained staff, with hands-on welding limited to permitted tasks under direct supervision. You prepare and handle components and inspect completed work for artistry and quality concerns.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore manufacturing quality, component finishing, and welding as practical, engineering-related work.
14. CBK Industries – CBK Apprentice I
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Starts September 15
Application Deadline: September 11
Eligibility: Indiana residents and attending an Indiana high school; have school enrollment support and qualify for HS EARN Indiana; be able to perform physical labor and follow safety guidelines
You help technicians with repairs, installations, diagnostics, job-site setup, and basic maintenance such as filter changes and tightening fixtures. You work directly with founder Jason Cumberlander, a licensed trades professional and engineer with 15+ years of experience. You organize tools and complete a short project or reflection log to document your work.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore building systems and construction trades through supervised repairs, installations, and maintenance.
15. Nix Industrial – Skilled Trade Internship
Location: Poseyville, Indiana
Stipend: $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Full-time or part-time placement starting April 20
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Current high school students interested in skilled trades
You support shop or field operations through material handling, guided reading of job prints, equipment assistance, and tracking job progress. You work with an experienced supervisor or mentor who gives daily guidance and feedback. Depending on your assignment, you may rotate through business areas and complete a small project for supervisor review.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore the production and skilled-trade work behind industrial fabrication and machining.
Can an engineering internship help with your college applications?
An engineering internship can give you concrete experiences to discuss when explaining your academic interests in college applications. You might reflect on a technical challenge, a responsibility, or how feedback changed your thinking. Describe your contribution and learning honestly, using specific examples that fit your experience.
How do you apply for an engineering internship?
Start with each program’s official instructions to establish the eligibility rules, deadlines, and required materials. Prepare examples that show your interest in engineering, such as relevant coursework, a coding project, or practical problem-solving experience. Allow time for any school coordination, supporting documents, or interviews specified by the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much hands-on engineering work could I do?
Participation ranges from laboratory research and technical support to supervised machining, welding, and construction-site activities. Some shop placements begin with observation and safety training, with practical responsibilities expanding as students demonstrate readiness and receive permission for particular tasks.
2. Would I work on my own project or contribute to an existing one?
Your role may involve contributing to an existing project or completing a defined student deliverable. Research placements can involve joining a mentor’s ongoing study, while manufacturing experiences may include a guided project or supervised tasks within a larger workflow.
3. Can I earn academic credit alongside the experience?
Some placements award college or high school credit for research, while a manufacturing pathway combines workplace experience with dual-credit classes. Credit depends on specific academic partnerships, not a benefit promised across the list.
4. How does financial support vary across these opportunities?
Support can come as an hourly wage, a summer stipend, or financial aid toward program fees. Some research stipends depend on financial eligibility, so admission alone does not guarantee payment. For its fee-based online program, Ladder Internships offers financial aid through a competitive process.