15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Arizona
If you are an undergraduate student interested in STEM, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore this field in great detail. Internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge in professional environments while building work experience before graduation. By working with engineers, researchers, analysts, or developers, you can develop technical skills, improve communication, and gain exposure to industry environments that strengthen your resume. Employers and graduate programs often value candidates who have practical experience, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with professional environments.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship in college provides structured exposure to the tools, methodologies, and collaborative workflows used in scientific and technical environments. You develop practical skills, such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, coding, prototyping, or field research, that align with employer expectations. In addition to technical skills, internships help you strengthen project management, teamwork, and professional communication abilities. These skills are essential in interdisciplinary STEM careers. Internships also help you build a professional network of mentors and industry contacts who can provide references, career guidance, or potential job opportunities.To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Arizona based on learning value, mentorship access, and relevance to high-demand technical fields.
1. Summer Undergraduate Internship Program – Barrow Neurological Institute
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: Paid | Arizona minimum wage | temporary position | no benefits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 12% | cohort of 42 students
Dates: June 8 - August 14 | orientation: June 4 | symposium: August 13
Application Deadline: December 5 - February 6
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students (18+ years) | must be enrolled during the internship and the following fall semester | eligible to work in the U.S. (visa support available for qualifying international students)
The Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time research experience focused on advanced neuroscience and clinical innovation. You will work in a research laboratory under the mentorship of a Barrow scientist, contributing to projects in areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, stroke, neuroinflammation, neurotrauma, and spinal disorders. Additional opportunities are available in neuroimaging, spinal biomechanics, virtual reality surgical training, neuro-rehabilitation, neuroscience publications, innovation, marketing, and philanthropy. You actively participate in laboratory research, data analysis, and translational studies using advanced tools and technologies. In addition to research responsibilities, you attend weekly seminars, explore scientific career pathways, and present your findings at the annual Barrow Summer Internship Research Symposium as either a poster or oral presentation.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program | financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort | applications typically open in January, May, September, and November
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who are able to work 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, remote program that places students with startups and nonprofit organizations working on real operational, strategic, or technical initiatives. You are assigned to a project with defined deliverables, ensuring your contributions address real organizational needs rather than simulated tasks. Throughout the program, you work directly with a manager at your host organization and receive structured mentorship from a dedicated ladder coach. This dual-mentorship model supports both technical skill development and professional growth. Apply now!
3. Engineering Intern – Meade Engineering (Rotational Internship Program)
Location: Tempe, AZ
Stipend: $25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 18 - August 7
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Engineering students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and returning for fall | majors in mechanical, electrical, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or related fields
Meade Engineering’s Summer Rotational Internship Program offers a 12-week, full-time immersive experience at its Tempe headquarters. You will rotate through key departments within the firm, including design, engineering, operations, finance, and project management, gaining visibility into how projects move from concept to commissioning. This structure provides hands-on exposure to both technical workflows and the operational mechanics of an engineering design firm. You work alongside engineers and project teams on active assignments and complete a capstone project that can be included in your resume. The program also includes site tours of data centers and industrial facilities, offering direct exposure to infrastructure projects in the field.
4. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: Phoenix, AZ (TGen Headquarters) or Flagstaff, AZ (TGen North)
Stipend: Paid, full-time (40 hours/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 8 - July 31 (8 weeks) | Research Symposium on July 30
Application Deadline: February 4 | recommendations due February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or medical students who graduated from an Arizona high school or currently attend an Arizona college/university | at least 16 years old | eligible to work in the U.S.
The Helios Scholars at TGen program is a competitive, eight-week paid biomedical research internship focused on translational bioscience. You will work under the mentorship of a scientist, contributing to research projects in areas such as cancer genomics, neurological disease, diabetes, infectious disease, bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, and research administration. Placements are available at TGen’s Phoenix headquarters and TGen North in Flagstaff, where research often focuses on public health and pathogen-related challenges, including Valley Fever and antibiotic resistance. In addition to laboratory or computational research, the program includes professional development seminars, scientific writing workshops, networking events, and career exploration sessions.
5. Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP)
Location: Tucson, AZ (Life Sciences South Building and affiliated research labs)
Stipend: $15/hour for the summer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No official acceptance rate published
Dates: Academic year and summer research opportunities | varies depending on the placement
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: University of Arizona undergraduate students | see program site for specific criteria
The Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) at the University of Arizona provides participants with the opportunity to engage in mentored, self-directed biological research that contributes to new scientific knowledge. Through collaboration with faculty researchers across the university, UBRP integrates you into laboratory environments where you learn experimental design, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. As a participant, you develop core research skills along with professional competencies such as presenting findings, collaborating within a lab team, and navigating scientific literature.
6. Arizona Game and Fish Department – Summer Internship Program
Location: Various field sites across Arizona
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No formal acceptance rate is publicly listed
Dates: Projected start date is May 18
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Full-time students pursuing a bachelor’s or higher degree in Wildlife Biology or a closely related field | recent graduates (within one year) are eligible | minimum GPA of 2.75 and a requirement of a driver's license
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) offers paid summer internships that provide direct, field-based experience in wildlife science, biological research, and resource management. As an intern, you will work alongside department professionals on projects related to wildlife monitoring, habitat management, fisheries research, conservation policy, and outdoor recreation safety. Interns gain practical exposure to Arizona’s diverse ecosystems while developing technical skills in data collection, species identification, ecological assessment, and field equipment use. Depending on your placement, you may assist with fish sampling, bat monitoring, wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and other conservation initiatives. The program emphasizes applied training, professional collaboration, and contribution to the department’s mission of managing fish and wildlife as a public trust.
7. Summer Research Initiative (SURI) – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, ASU
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Stipend: $5,000; on-campus housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No formal acceptance rate is published
Dates: May 18 - July 17
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, ASU-sponsored F-1/J-1 students, and international applicants
The Summer Research Initiative (SURI) offers an eight-week, full-time engineering research experience designed to prepare participants for doctoral study. As a participant, you work 30 - 40 hours per week under the mentorship of Arizona State University research faculty on projects spanning multiple engineering disciplines. The program begins with two weeks of remote engagement, followed by on-campus research at ASU. You gain direct exposure to advanced research methodologies, laboratory and computational techniques, and the expectations of graduate-level work. In addition to hands-on research, you participate in networking events, faculty interactions, and industry engagement opportunities that broaden your understanding of academic and professional pathways in engineering.
8. Engineering Intern – Nestlé Purina
Location: Flagstaff, AZ (on-site at manufacturing facility)
Stipend: $28.01/hour | eligible for select benefits (for example, 401(k) with company match)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Spring - Spring (up to one-year commitment)
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Engineering students, preferably entering their senior year in the Fall
The Engineering Internship position at Nestlé Purina’s Flagstaff facility provides long-term, part-time exposure to highly automated manufacturing operations. As an intern, you will support mechanical, process, electrical, and project engineering initiatives within a large-scale pet food production environment. Your responsibilities may include preparing technical specifications, developing contractor bid scopes, creating cost estimates, sourcing equipment, and contributing to engineering design solutions aligned with safety, sanitation, and production standards. You may also assist in supervising contractors and maintenance personnel during capital upgrades and participate in Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) initiatives focused on operational improvement.
9. Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering Intern
Location: Tempe, AZ (also available in South Jordan, UT)
Stipend: $22.16 - $29.14/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 12-week program beginning May 18 | flexible start date possible
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students in electrical, instrumentation, or controls engineering (graduating August or later) | must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering Internship at WSP USA is part of its structured Summer Internship Program, designed to provide hands-on experience in infrastructure and power-related engineering projects. As an intern, you will support senior engineers on assignments while developing technical, professional, and ethical competencies. Your responsibilities may include assisting with CAD drafting (AutoCAD and Revit), performing preliminary design calculations, supporting power system analysis, preparing cost estimates and design documentation, and maintaining project records. You also gain exposure to instrumentation and control systems, process engineering applications, and power system tools such as ETAP, SKM Powertools, or similar software.
10. Systems Engineering Intern – General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS)
Location: Scottsdale, AZ (Hybrid)
Stipend: $23.50 - $29/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Not specified | position open until filled
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Enrolled in an accredited degree program in computer, systems, software, electrical, or mechanical engineering (junior standing or higher preferred) | US citizenship required
The Systems Engineering Internship role at General Dynamics Mission Systems provides hands-on exposure in embedded product development programs supporting national defense initiatives. In this position, you apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges within a collaborative systems integration and test environment. Your responsibilities may include supporting requirements analysis, conducting functional and performance assessments, such as timing and power analysis, contributing to systems modeling, and participating in verification activities. You assist in developing test cases, procedures, scripts, and documentation for formal testing events, including Design Verification Testing (DVT), Qualification Testing (QT), Acceptance Testing (AT), EMI/EMC testing, and radiation testing. You may also contribute to building and configuring test infrastructures, coordinating bill of materials (BOM) procurement, and supporting integration efforts with manufacturing and operations teams.
11. TSMC Arizona – Summer Engineering Internship Opportunities
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Stipend: Paid internships | relocation assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 - August 7 for semester system | June 22 - August 28 for quarter system
Application Deadline: Not specified (posted January 29; apply early as roles are competitive)
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program in engineering or related fields | must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The TSMC Arizona Engineering Internship Program places participants in an advanced semiconductor fabrication environment, where they work on real production and process challenges. You can join teams across areas such as process engineering, yield analysis, equipment engineering, intelligent manufacturing, materials handling systems, quality, product engineering, and more. Your work may involve analyzing yield and defect data, optimizing fabrication processes, improving equipment performance, and applying statistical or machine learning methods to manufacturing problems. Depending on the role, you may work in cleanroom environments, collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, and contribute to ongoing production and technology development. The program is highly technical and suited for students interested in semiconductor manufacturing, offering direct exposure to industry-scale fabrication systems and problem-solving workflows.
12. DriveTime – Analytics Intern
Location: Tempe, Arizona, USA
Stipend: Paid internship; compensation not specified; no relocation support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 11-week internship (May - August)
Application Deadline: Not specified (posted January 23; apply early)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s student graduating between December (current year) and May (upcoming year) | pursuing a quantitative/STEM degree | minimum GPA of 3.5 | experience with SQL, Python, Tableau, and Excel | must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The DriveTime Analytics Internship places participants in a highly data-driven environment focused on solving real business problems across domains such as risk, marketing, supply chain, servicing, and financial analytics. You will engage in the full analytics lifecycle, from data collection and processing to model building and insight presentation. Your work includes generating actionable insights from large datasets, improving existing analytical systems, and contributing to decision-making that impacts customer experience and profitability. You collaborate with cross-functional teams and use tools such as SQL, Python, and Tableau to solve problems. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development, with strong potential for return offers or full-time roles.
13. Pre-Health Internship Program (PHIP) – Arizona State University
Location: Various affiliated clinical and community sites (Arizona-based placements)
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall sessions (application cycles listed below)
Application Deadline: Spring: August 25 - October 17 | Summer: January 12 - March 13 | Fall: March 16 - May 15 | Spring: August 24 - October 16
Eligibility: Students across ASU colleges and campuses who are juniors/seniors (50+ credits)
The Pre-Health Internship Program (PHIP) at Arizona State University is a university-wide initiative designed to provide participants with structured, hands-on experience in healthcare and related professional environments. The program supports students preparing for competitive post-graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, and allied health fields. You work with a placement specialist to secure an internship aligned with your academic background and career goals. Internship placements may be clinical, community-based, or health-related professional experiences. Both paid and unpaid roles can qualify for academic credit, subject to program approval. The application process is selective and requires submission of application materials, adherence to health and safety requirements, and completion of academic courses and hourly commitments.
14. U of A NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: Paid | award amounts vary | up to 20 hours/week during academic year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: Intern applications: March 27 - May 22 | Mentor applications: February 9 - March 23
Eligibility: University of Arizona undergraduate students
The University of Arizona NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Internship Program provides paid, mentored research opportunities during the academic year. Participants work up to 20 hours per week on NASA-aligned STEM projects. You will collaborate with a faculty mentor in research areas such as autonomous systems, space exploration technologies, planetary science, climate research, aerospace engineering, and space-related biomedical studies. You gain hands-on research experience while developing technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a structured academic environment. The program emphasizes mentorship, inquiry-driven learning, and exposure to real-world scientific challenges aligned with NASA’s long-term mission priorities.
15. Engineering Intern – Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG)
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Cost/Stipend: Not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Bachelor’s students in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering
The Engineering Internship position at Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG) provides hands-on exposure in substation design and energy infrastructure projects. As an intern, you will support engineering teams in areas such as physical layout design, grounding systems, control building arrangements, and protection and control schematics. Your work contributes directly to active projects across QISG’s integrated engineering and construction platform. You assist in preparing design drawings, performing engineering calculations, developing bills of material, and maintaining project documentation. The role also introduces key industry standards, including NEC, NESC, IEEE, and ANSI, strengthening your understanding of regulatory and technical compliance in the power and utilities sector.
Image source - Barrow Neurological Institute logo