Mechanical Engineering Intern

SPEC (Systems & Processes Engineering Corp); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC) in Austin, TX, is seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineering Intern to gain hands-on exposure in a fast-paced product‑development environment. You will work alongside experienced engineers on real projects, contribute to design, prototyping, testing, and documentation to develop practical engineering judgment.

The role includes mechanical enclosure and fixture concepts, parts lists, and BOM management.

Qualifications

• Must meet one of the listed educational backgrounds.
• Demonstrate interest in mechanical engineering, aerospace, space systems, hardware development.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering staff with mechanical design, analysis, documentation, and prototype development.
• Support development of mechanical enclosures, mounts, fixtures, brackets, assemblies, packaging concepts, and test hardware.
• Prepare, update, and organize engineering drawings, parts lists, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Participate in hands‑on assembly, test, troubleshooting, inspection, and integration activities as appropriate.
• Assist with research, vendor and component evaluation, material selection, and procurement support.
• Learn and apply sound engineering practices involving configuration control, design reviews, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Work in a collaborative, deadline‑driven environment where priorities may shift as development programs mature.
• Maintain professionalism, attention to detail, and appropriate handling of company‑sensitive technical information.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in engineering tech

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Fusion 360

AutoCAD

Creo

Job description

Company Description Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC) is a high-technology engineering company developing advanced systems for airborne and spaceborne applications. We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineering Intern who wants meaningful, hands-on exposure to a fast-paced product-development environment.

This is not a purely observational internship. The selected intern will work alongside experienced engineers and technical staff, contribute to real engineering activities, and have the opportunity to develop practical engineering judgment rapidly. Depending on company needs, the intern’s interests, and demonstrated capabilities, work may involve mechanical design, packaging, prototyping, documentation, testing, integration, and support of advanced electronic, RF, aerospace, or mission-system hardware.

We welcome candidates who are completing an engineering-focused course of study and who are eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute carefully to technically demanding projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering staff with mechanical design, analysis, documentation, and prototype development.
• Support development of mechanical enclosures, mounts, fixtures, brackets, assemblies, packaging concepts, and test hardware.
• Prepare, update, and organize engineering drawings, parts lists, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Participate in hands‑on assembly, test, troubleshooting, inspection, and integration activities as appropriate.
• Assist with research, vendor and component evaluation, material selection, and procurement support.
• Learn and apply sound engineering practices involving configuration control, design reviews, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Work in a collaborative, deadline‑driven environment where priorities may shift as development programs mature.
• Maintain professionalism, attention to detail, and appropriate handling of company‑sensitive technical information.

Candidates must meet one of the following educational backgrounds:

• High school diploma or equivalent, with appropriate coursework or demonstrated preparation in mathematics, physics, engineering, drafting, manufacturing, robotics, CAD, or related technical subjects.
• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, mechanical design, manufacturing technology, or a closely related field.
• Current enrollment in, or completion of, a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Strong interest in mechanical engineering, aerospace, space systems, hardware development, manufacturing, or electromechanical systems.
• Ability to learn quickly, follow technical direction, and work methodically on detailed assignments.
• Basic proficiency with common engineering and productivity software; experience with CAD is beneficial but not required for all applicants.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small engineering team.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the company’s airborne and spaceborne development programs and the potential need to access export‑controlled technical data and controlled project information.

Preferred qualifications

The following are helpful, but not required:

• Coursework, projects, hobby experience, or work experience involving CAD, machining, 3D printing, fabrication, robotics, electronics packaging, test equipment, or mechanical assembly.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar CAD tools.
• Exposure to engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerancing, design‑for‑manufacturability, materials, fasteners, thermal considerations, or environmental testing.
• Experience documenting technical work through drawings, reports, photographs, test notes, or project portfolios.
• Interest in airborne, spaceborne, defense, RF, communications, sensor, or electronic‑warfare systems.

What you will gain

This internship offers the opportunity to accelerate practical engineering development in a small, technically capable organization. You will gain exposure to the realities of turning engineering concepts into functioning hardware: requirements, design tradeoffs, documentation, procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing, and iteration.

Successful interns may have the opportunity to expand their responsibilities based on performance, technical maturity, availability, and program needs.

• [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer. We value applicants with the curiosity, discipline, initiative, and technical interest needed to contribute in a demanding engineering environment.