Mechanical Engineering Intern

BWX Technologies, Inc.; Jonesborough (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Inclusive atmosphere

Continuous learning and training

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Metallurgical/Materials Engineering Intern to join the engineering team at our Jonesborough, TN site.

This hands-on internship provides real lab experience in metals testing, materials analysis, and process improvement within a manufacturing environment. You will perform hardness and tensile tests, analyze microstructures, collect data, and help update specifications and procedures while learning from seasoned engineers.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Basic understanding of metals, alloys, material behavior, and testing methods.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment and safe testing practices.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and present technical data clearly.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist metallurgical testing including hardness, tensile tests, microstructure analysis, and failure investigations.
• Prepare and examine samples using metallurgical equipment (microscopes, polishing, cutting).
• Support material characterization and maintain testing documentation.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate material performance and quality trends.
• Help identify issues related to materials, coatings, heat treatment, and production.
• Collaborate with engineers and production to support continuous improvement projects.
• Update material specifications, work instructions, and process records.
• Participate in research on new alloys or processing methods.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory workspace per safety standards.

Skills

Metals & alloys basics

Laboratory techniques

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Communication & teamwork

Education

Metallurgical Engineering

Materials Science

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Position Overview:

The Metallurgical/Materials Engineering Intern supports the engineering team by assisting with materials testing, quality analysis, process improvement initiatives, and research activities related to metals and industrial materials. This role provides hands-on experience in laboratory work, data analysis, and real-world application of materials engineering principles within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Location:

On-site in Jonesborough, TN

Your Day to Day as an Engineer Intern at NOGJ:

• Assist with metallurgical testing, including hardness tests, tensile tests, microstructure analysis, and failure investigations.
• Prepare and examine samples using metallurgical equipment such as microscopes, polishing tools, and cutting equipment.
• Support material characterization activities and help maintain accurate testing documentation.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate material performance, quality trends, and process stability.
• Help identify and troubleshoot issues related to materials, coatings, heat treatment, and production processes.
• Work with engineers and production teams to support continuous improvement projects focused on material performance and reliability.
• Assist in updating material specifications, work instructions, and process records.
• Participate in research activities related to new alloys, material properties, or processing methods.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory workspace following company safety standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of metals, alloys, material behavior, and testing methods.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and safe testing practices.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and present technical data clearly.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Completed coursework in Statistics, Mechanics of Materials, and/or Solid Modeling.
• A strong passion for engineering innovation and learning in a nuclear environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis software (Minitab, MATLAB, Python) is a plus.

What We Offer:

• A competitively paid internship experience.
• A housing stipend for interns whose home of record is more than 50 miles from Jonesborough, TN
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training!

Pay: $21.50- $29.50

The starting hourly rate for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $21.50 and $29.50 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Entry Level Engineer, Testing, Laboratory, Engineering, Technology, Science