12 Mechanical Engineering Internships for Undergraduates
Mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates offer college students invaluable opportunities to enhance their resumes, gain real-world experience, and improve their chances of employability. By applying classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, you’ll get the chance to develop critical problem-solving skills and industry-specific expertise. Hands-on mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates are especially beneficial as they allow you to work with advanced machinery, design systems, and collaborate on real engineering projects.
To help with this, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top 12 mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates. Our selection focuses on programs that offer meaningful, hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge technology. Whether you want to specialize in automotive design, robotics, or aerospace engineering, these internships can provide a strong foundation for your future career.
1. U.S. Engineering Internships
Location: Kansas City, Missouri | Flint Hills, Denver, Colorado
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical or civil engineering; specific requirements vary by internship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, typically reviewed in the fall
Dates: Late May – Mid-August
Stipend: $18-$23 (tentatively)
U.S. Engineering, a leading mechanical contracting firm, provides immersive mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates and graduate students, giving you direct exposure to real-world engineering projects. As an intern, you will work closely with seasoned professionals, gaining practical knowledge in construction, mechanical systems, and design processes. This hands-on program allows you to contribute to active job sites and engineering initiatives while developing key technical and analytical skills.
During the program, you’ll be placed in Kansas City, Flint Hills, or the Denver area, where you’ll engage in diverse projects, from project management to engineering analysis and design implementation. The program also includes mentorship opportunities, fostering professional growth, and industry networking. Many interns transition into full-time roles, making this an excellent stepping stone for students pursuing careers in mechanical or civil engineering.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Eligibility: College students
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid available)
The Ladder University Internship Program is an 8-week experience designed for college students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience with leading startups. As a participant, you’ll work 5-10 hours weekly, collaborating on real-world projects and engaging in weekly mentorship sessions with industry professionals. The program aims to help you develop tangible skills while expanding your professional networks.
You can choose from a variety of fields, including Machine Learning & AI, Software Engineering, Finance, Health Tech, Environmental Science, Consulting, and Media & Journalism. The program emphasizes practical outcomes, meaning you can showcase significant projects on your resumes. The selection process is competitive, seeking self-motivated individuals with strong communication skills and a growth mindset. Applicants are matched with projects that align with their interests and have the final say in their assignments.
3. Hitachi Summer Mechanical/Civil Engineering Internship
Location: Hitachi Energy locations in Jefferson City, Missouri
Eligibility: Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students in mechanical or civil engineering with U.S. work authorization
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Starts in May (12 weeks)
Stipend: Paid
Hitachi’s 12-week, full-time Summer Mechanical/Civil Engineering Internship offers college students the opportunity to gain practical engineering experience while expanding their professional network. Based in Jefferson City, Missouri, this program focuses on developing technical expertise through hands-on projects in mechanical and civil engineering. As an intern, you will collaborate with industry professionals, learning about cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications in the field.
You will work on engineering design, system analysis, and problem-solving tasks, gaining exposure to industry best practices and innovative solutions. The program also includes mentorship and skill-building opportunities, helping you strengthen both technical and communication abilities—key assets for future engineering careers. This internship serves as an excellent stepping stone for those looking to establish themselves in the field.
4. Field Engineering Internship – Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Location: Various U.S. locations, including Tuscaloosa, AL; Beulah, ND; and Freeport, Texas
Eligibility: Students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical, Environmental, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling applications (not specified)
Dates: 12 weeks, starting in May
Stipend: Paid
Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions offers several mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates, including a 12-week, full-time field engineering internship designed to give you hands-on experience in industrial water treatment. As a Field Engineering Intern, you’ll collaborate with industry professionals, supporting water treatment systems and contributing to technical service projects that drive operational success.
You will gain exposure to real-world problem-solving, system optimization, and engineering applications in the water treatment industry. This program is an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise, enhance teamwork skills, and build industry connections. Students from chemical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering programs, as well as chemistry majors, are encouraged to apply.
5. NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship Programs
Location: NASA facilities across the U.S., including NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September – mid-December) | Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January – early May) | Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June – August)
Stipend: Paid (amount based on academic level and internship duration)
The NASA OSTEM Internship is a competitive, hands-on program designed for students passionate about engineering, aerospace technology, and scientific innovation. This program offers several mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates, during which you’ll be able to work alongside NASA professionals, contributing to cutting-edge research and engineering projects that support space exploration.
As a mechanical engineering intern, you'll engage in real-world problem-solving, working on projects related to aerospace systems, spacecraft design, thermal analysis, robotics, propulsion, and materials testing. Guided by a NASA mentor, you’ll gain technical expertise, research experience, and professional development in a dynamic, high-impact environment.
This internship allows you to develop critical thinking, research, and technical skills, all while immersing yourself in NASA’s groundbreaking work.
6. Wolfcreek Nuclear Licensing Internship – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Burlington, Kansas
Eligibility: Second, third, or fourth-year students actively working toward an engineering degree; preference is given to those who have completed at least 60 credit hours before the internship begins
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: During the summer
Stipend: $22-$27/hour
Evergy offers many mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates, including the Wolfcreek Nuclear Licensing Internship. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the safe and efficient operation of a nuclear power plant. Working closely with an experienced technical mentor, you will take on meaningful projects that ensure regulatory compliance and maintain the validity of the plant’s operating license.
This role is ideal for students interested in the intersection of engineering, regulatory compliance, and government oversight. You will analyze plant design, operations, and maintenance to ensure they align with licensing requirements, assess reportable conditions for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and assist in preparing regulatory submissions. Additionally, you will coordinate and support NRC inspections, playing a critical role in compliance management.
7. Unmanned Systems Intern – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Topeka, Kansas
Eligibility: Second, third, or fourth-year students pursuing degrees in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Robotics, or Engineering disciplines such as Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, or Construction Science
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Dates: Typically in the summer
Stipend: $21-$25/hour
As an Unmanned Systems Intern, you will work alongside Evergy’s Unmanned Systems Group, gaining hands-on experience in drone operations and aerial data collection within the electrical utility sector. This internship provides the opportunity to collaborate with technical experts in various disciplines, offering valuable insight into the role of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
You will assist in developing proactive inspection strategies, conducting UAS inspections of transmission and distribution (T&D) assets, and supporting photogrammetry data collection for different work areas, including generation facilities and infrastructure monitoring. Experience with aerial data collection, remote sensing, and photogrammetry is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management. You also must be able to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under high-pressure conditions.
8. Transmission Line Engineering Internship – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Topeka, Kansas
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering program in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or a related technical field
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Dates: N/A
Stipend: $22-$27
Another of Evergy’s mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates is the Transmission Line Engineering Internship. This internship provides hands-on experience in high-voltage transmission line design, offering the chance to contribute to real-world projects and department policy updates. You will collaborate with engineers and project managers, participate in technical discussions, and gain exposure to the full project lifecycle. Site visits to active transmission line projects will provide insight into construction processes and the work of a skilled transmission lineman.
This internship is ideal for students looking to develop technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge in the field of power transmission. It offers an exciting and immersive experience for those interested in engineering, infrastructure, and large-scale energy projects.
9. Oil, Gas, and Renewables Engineering Internship – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Colwich and Wichita Metro, Kansas
Eligibility: College students currently enrolled in a university or a technical program in one of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Dates: N/A (typically a 5-day work week)
Stipend: $22-$27/hour
Evergy’s Oil, Gas, and Renewables Engineering Internship is one of those mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates that give you the chance to take on meaningful responsibilities and contribute to real projects with direct business interactions. Reporting to the Director of Combustion Turbines and the Combustion Turbine Principal Engineer, you will support the planning, maintenance, operation, and development of Evergy’s electricity production assets.
Your work may focus on mechanical pumping and piping systems, instrumentation and controls, or thermal performance. Key responsibilities include assisting with combustion turbine outage inspections, supporting equipment upgrades, and contributing to maintenance planning and execution.
10. Substation Engineering Internship – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Wichita, Kansas
Eligibility: College students currently enrolled in a degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; students with 2 or fewer years to graduate with a BS or those currently working on their graduate degree are given preference
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Dates: Summer (typically a 5-day work week)
Stipend: $22-$27/hour
As a Substation Engineering intern, you will take on meaningful responsibilities and contribute to real projects with direct business interactions. This internship will provide you with opportunities to engage beyond the office through events, such as volunteer activities, power plant tours, and lunch-and-learn sessions. You will get to apply engineering fundamentals to a variety of assignments related to substation design. You will also have the opportunity to visit substation construction sites, observe the results of design work firsthand, and collaborate with field construction personnel to gain valuable industry experience.
11. Project Engineer Internship – Evergy
Location: Evergy, Kansas City, Missouri, Northland
Eligibility: Students actively enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering, engineering technology, or construction science program; more details here
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: N/A (typically a 5-day work week)
Stipend: $22-$27/hour
This Project Engineer internship is another one of Evergy’s mechanical engineering internships for undergraduates. As a Project Engineer intern, you will play a key role in bridging the gap between various engineering disciplines, including distribution, transmission, substation, standards, and planning, while also collaborating with external consultants. Under minimal supervision, you will work closely with project engineers and construction professionals to transform engineering concepts into actionable, cost-effective, and sustainable designs.
Your responsibilities will include coordinating with internal teams and external utilities, developing material lists, reviewing civil construction plans, and conducting field observations to navigate complex project constraints. You will also factor in soil conditions and stormwater runoff for facility installations, calculate electric and physical loads, estimate labor and project costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements through permit acquisition and real estate surveys. Additionally, you will support field staking, verify survey markers, and serve as an on-site problem solver during project execution.
12. Undergraduate Technical Internship in Nuclear Science – PNNL
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington
Eligibility: Must be a degree-seeking undergrad student taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: N/A
Duration: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Stipend: Paid
This internship, called the Energy and Environment Internship Program (EEIP) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is a 10 to 12-week paid summer internship focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions. As an intern in the Nuclear Sciences Division, you'll gain hands-on experience in critical areas such as nuclear materials behavior, energy independence, and national security.
You’ll be able to contribute to innovative projects in experimental and computational engineering, irradiation sciences, nuclear chemistry, and radiological materials. This opportunity is ideal for students in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or computer science who are eager to apply their skills to real-world challenges.