AV Mechanical Engineering Intern Spring 2027 Santa Clara CA

Nissan USA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nissan USA is seeking an AV Mechanical Engineering Intern in Santa Clara, CA. You will assist in designing, fabricating, assembling, and troubleshooting mechanical and electromechanical systems for autonomous vehicle platforms and research vehicles.

You will gain hands-on experience alongside experienced engineers, supporting prototype development, test equipment, wiring harnesses, and lab processes in a fast-paced environment. Strong CAD, safety, and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an engineering or related degree program.
• Sophomore to Senior year at start of the upcoming term.
• Coursework or experience with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and power tools for prototyping and assembly.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Interest in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and prototype development.
• Willingness to follow lab safety, security, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design parts and support the development of mechanical assemblies for autonomous vehicle systems.
• Assemble and test mechanical and electromechanical systems used in R&D activities.
• Procure materials and components needed for prototyping and testing.
• Build and integrate wiring harnesses and supporting hardware for vehicle and lab applications.
• Support prototype assembly, lab setup, and validation activities.
• Assist with engineering documentation, CAD updates, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Hand tools

Power tools

Engineering drawings

Organization

Communication

Project management

Autonomous vehicle interest

Education

Sophomore to Senior year in Engineering/Mechatronics/Automotive Tech

Tools

Digital multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Soldering

Electrical schematics

Test equipment

Job description

Location(s): Santa Clara, CA
Job Schedule: 12-week program
Degree Level: Sophomore - Senior
Preferred Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design, Automotive Technology, Robotics, or related technical field

Shape the Future of Mobility at Nissan: Launch Your Career, Drive Innovation

We are currently looking for an AV Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our team in Santa Clara, CA. This internship offers the opportunity to support the development of next-generation autonomous vehicle technologies by working on the design, fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electromechanical systems. You will work alongside experienced engineers supporting autonomous vehicle platforms, prototype systems, test equipment, wiring harnesses, and research vehicles while gaining hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

As an intern, you will contribute to engineering projects from concept through assembly and testing, helping support the development and validation of autonomous driving technologies.

A Day in the Life:

• Design parts and support the development of mechanical assemblies for autonomous vehicle systems.
• Assemble and test mechanical and electromechanical systems used in research and development activities.
• Procure materials and components needed for prototyping, testing, and development projects.
• Build and integrate wiring harnesses and supporting hardware for vehicle and lab applications.
• Support prototype assembly, lab setup, engineering test preparation, and validation activities.
• Assist with engineering documentation, CAD updates, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Who We're Looking For:

Required:

• Must be currently enrolled in an Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, or related technical degree program.
• Students entering their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year at the start of the upcoming academic term.
• Coursework, project experience, or familiarity with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and power tools for prototyping and assembly activities.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and technical documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and clearly communicate project progress.
• Interest in autonomous vehicles, robotics, prototype development, and engineering innovation.
• Willingness to follow laboratory safety, security, and quality standards.

Preferred:

• Experience assembling electromechanical devices, robotics systems, consumer electronics, computers, or related systems.
• Familiarity with digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, or other troubleshooting equipment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience reading electrical schematics and engineering diagrams.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical or mechanical systems.
• Soldering experience with printed circuit boards and electronic components.
• Ability to perform functional testing and collect engineering test data.
• Experience organizing and maintaining engineering lab equipment and test assets.

What You’ll Look Forward to at Nissan:

Connection and Collaboration: We offer Business Synergy Teams (ERGs) and opportunities for our employees to strengthen their relationships and meet people from similar and diverse backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging.

Professional Training and Development: Expand your knowledge and skills through Nissan’s rich innovation offerings, seminars, learning platforms, and leadership trainings.

Nissan is committed to a drug‑free workplace. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of drug and background screenings in accordance with Nissan policies and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. Nissan will consider qualified candidates with arrest or conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with these laws.

It is Nissan’s policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law. Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire; Nissan uses E-Verify to validate employment eligibility.

NISSAN FOR EVERYONE

People are our most valuable assets, and Nissan seeks to maximize the power of each individual member of our team. When everyone belongs, the power of NISSAN is undeniable. Nissan aims to improve business results through a workplace and business that meets the needs of our employees and customer base.

Nissan is committed to creating a culture where everyone belongs and employees, customers, and partners feel respected, valued, and heard. We have Business Synergy Teams (BSTs) across the Americas that are open to all employees and seek to connect employees through common interests and foster a company culture where all employees feel supported and included.

Nissan also values inclusion in our business as we respect and recognize the diversity of our customer base and the communities where we do business. We are committed to procuring innovative goods and services, retailing our products, and communicating from a position that will help us continue to offer our customers competitively designed, market‑driven products.

Join us as we carry our commitment to our employees and customers into the future.

Santa Clara California United States of America