Do you know how many mechanical engineering interns are in the United States? According to statistics, there are 70,820 happily employed people. An impressive number, isn’t it? As a passionate future engineer, I am always pleased to see nice statistics about my specialization. Being also a committed engineering student, I naturally look for not only statistics on mechanical engineering internships but also information about their requirements, possible salaries, and career paths. I have done quite a bit of research on this topic, and I’ll share my findings with you in this blog post.
Aerospace Engineering Internship Opportunities
First of all, I’ll tell you about aerospace engineering, as I have a soft spot for it. Although I did not choose this particular specialization, it always fascinated me. So, aerospace engineering placements are nothing less than a practical introduction to aviation and space technologies. This is a splendid opportunity for future aerospace engineers to work on real-world projects related to aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and spacecraft design. Mechanical engineering internships in aerodynamics help develop technical skills. They also provide the necessary understanding of the complexities of the aerospace industry.
Gaining hands-on experience in aerospace engineering
As with all other mechanical engineering internships, young people who want to get an internship in aerospace engineering should meet a number of strict requirements. Most often, companies demand the following:
- A full-time student in the second or third year of college.
- Deep knowledge of aerospace engineering, aerodynamics, and other engineering principles.
- Strong technical skills, including knowledge of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Science and Technology (S&T), and AutoCAD.
In 2023, the average hourly pay for an aerospace engineer internship in the United States is $19.31 per hour.
Electrical Engineering Internship Skills and Careers
The next field that I find extremely exciting is electrical engineering. Mechanical engineering internships in electromechanics offer an opportunity to dive into the fascinating (for engineers) world of electronics, power systems, and advanced technologies. They are vital for gaining hands-on experience in areas such as circuit design, control systems, and renewable energy.
Internships in electrical engineering: From theory to practice
As I have already mentioned, traineeships are simply irreplaceable to dip an engineering toe in the professional water. Here’s a small roadmap on how to move from theory to practice when looking for placements in electrical engineering.
How to start looking for a mechanical engineering internship opportunities in electromechanics:
- Contact your university’s career center or internship office.
- Search for traineeships on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, as well as specialized engineering job boards like Engineering.com and Engineers.com.
- Visit the career pages of engineering firms and technology companies.
- Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in the field through networking events or conferences.
As a rule, each electrical engineering placement offer has a list of requirements for the candidate in the description. Read them carefully and make sure that you are a good fit.
Apart from the standard prerequisites of high GPAs and full-time study, you will definitely need knowledge of circuitry, control systems, electronics, and programming languages (e.g., C/C++, Python).
Possible career opportunities after completing mechanical engineering internships: Electrical engineer, power systems engineer, hardware engineer, control systems engineer, electronics engineer, and others.
Manufacturing Engineering Internship Requirements from the Best Mechanical Engineering Companies
During the manufacturing engineering traineeship, beginner specialists gain their first hands-on experience in optimizing production methods and integrating innovative technologies. In real-world production facilities, engineering students gain a thorough understanding of quality control, supply chain management, and process optimization. This is how the stars are born. Just kidding!
Typical requirements for mechanical engineering internships in manufacturing:
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- Strong CAD software skills, knowledge of production processes, and experience with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar programs.
- Deep understanding of concepts such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, process optimization, and quality control methods.
- Ability to analyze data, identify gaps, and recommend solutions to improve production processes.
- Previous traineeships, projects, or coursework related to manufacturing engineering.
I should warn you that these requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific company or organization offering the mechanical engineer internship.
Exploring manufacturing processes in mechanical engineering internships
To fully embrace and learn production processes from the inside, interns analyze production systems, participate in process improvement initiatives, and gain insight into lean manufacturing methodology. Why do they do all this stuff? In the future, this hands-on experience will help them optimize production operations and product quality in various industrial settings.
Industrial Engineering Internship Career Paths
Industrial mechanical engineering internships are an incredible opportunity to pursue a cool career in a number of related fields. Some of the most promising careers I can think of are in production planning, logistics, quality assurance, and operations management.
Requirements for an industrial mechanical engineer internship:
- Enrollment in an industrial engineering program or a related engineering program.
- Ability to analyze data and solve problems.
- Understanding of production processes, optimization methods, and quality management principles.
- Knowledge of tools such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, or statistical software.
Possible career opportunities after finishing internships for mechanical engineering: Manufacturing engineer, supply chain analyst, quality assurance specialist, logistics coordinator, industrial systems analyst, and more.
Amazing statistics alert! As of 2023, the average annual salary for an industrial engineering internship in the United States is $83,498 per year.
The role of industrial engineering in modern manufacturing
Manufacturing and industrial engineering roles within internships include teaching young minds how things are made and optimizing processes to boost their production efficiency. Future manufacturing and industrial engineers study workflows, learn how to minimize waste, and increase productivity in plants and factories. At a time when the entire planet is scrambling to reduce the harmfulness of production while maintaining productivity, these unknown heroes are working to solve this burning issue.
Mechanical Design Internship Skills and Opportunities
If you have ever wondered what the purpose of mechanical design placements is, I’ll give you the answer. They focus on teaching future professionals how to create and improve product design. Engineering students gain hands-on experience using software, such as CAD, to develop and improve mechanical systems and components. During the practical training, interns gain all the necessary design analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills. Everything they learn and see during a mechanical design internship contributes to career development in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or consumer goods.
As a rule, companies look for the following skills in candidates for mechanical engineering internships:
- Competence in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software used for creating and modifying mechanical designs.
- Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
- Ability to create detailed drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
- A keen eye for accuracy and precision in design.
- Capacity to think creatively and propose innovative design solutions.
- Willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and technologies.
Possible future jobs after completing internships for mechanical engineering: Mechanical design engineer, product development engineer, CAD/CAM engineer, manufacturing engineer, research and development engineer, design analyst, and others.
FAQ
1. What are the key areas of focus in mechanical engineering internships for 2024?
It is hard to tell with 100% confidence what fields mechanical engineering internships may focus on in 2024. However, the most relevant spheres may involve the following:
- Advanced manufacturing (3D printing, robotics);
- Sustainable design (eco-friendly solutions);
- Digital twin/simulation tech;
- Internet of Things (IoT) integration;
- AI usage for production optimization;
- Human-centered design (user experience);
- Energy efficiency (smart systems, hybrid vehicles).
2. How can an aerospace engineering internship shape your career?
A traineeship in aerospace engineering can shape your career by:
- Hands-on learning. You will be able to get hands-on experience with aircraft/spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and technologies.
- Professional development. Practical training develops problem-solving, technical, and teamwork skills.
- Insights into the industry. Internships provide knowledge of the best practices, rules, and achievements in the industry.
- Networking. It creates connections for potential mentors.
3. What skills are essential for an electrical engineering intern?
A potential electrical engineering intern should have a range of crucial skills to get the desired placement. However, companies most commonly specify the following skills for their preferred candidate for a mechanical engineering internship in electromechanics: Technical proficiency, problem-solving, effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.