Mechanical Engineering Intern – Commutable/Local Only

Austin Community College; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

Austin Community College is offering a Mechanical Engineering Intern position for summer 2026 in Kearny, NJ. The role involves working closely with the R&D team on autonomous environmental hardware projects and supporting startup operations.

Ideal candidates are current juniors or seniors in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, possess research experience, and have skills in 3D modeling software. This internship is on-site only, and applicants must verify their Pell Grant status.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program targeting juniors and seniors.
• Strong background in scientific research with at least one year of wet-lab experience preferred.
• Prior knowledge of 3D modeling software or experience designing robotic systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the engineering team in developing an autonomous vehicle for water surface operations.
• Assist in building a pilot project tailored for microplastic collection.
• Participate in engineering workflows and problem-solving.

Skills

Technical writing

Scientific research

3D modeling software

Attention to detail

Environmental sustainability

Education

Undergraduate program in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Creo

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Intern - Commutable/Local Only

We are partnering with 100+ companies across the country and have placed 1,000 students in summer internships since 2019. Project Onramp is a program to help Pell‑granted undergraduates gain access to paid summer internships, industry mentors, and early career training in the Life Sciences sector and related industries.

PROJECT ONRAMP

THIS PROGRAM HAS NO COST TO STUDENTS. IT IS FREE.

IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY NOTE: This role is 100% on-site in New Jersey. Applicants must permanently reside or already have confirmed housing within a commutable distance of the facility (NY/NJ/CT). Housing/relocation is not provided.

• Location: Kearny Point, NJ (100% On-site)
• Duration: Summer 2026 (40 hours per week)
• Compensation: At least $20.00 per hour
• Application Deadline: ASAP

The Corporate Partner

Our corporate partner is a rising cleantech startup dedicated to tackling major environmental challenges and microplastic pollution in global waterways. They engineer unique filtration, analysis, and monitoring technologies that are deployed internationally across North America and Asia to help water treatment, lake, and river facilities protect aquatic ecosystems.

The Role

Our partner is looking for a proactive, precision‑driven undergraduate to join their team as a Mechanical Engineering Intern. The intern will work fully on‑site out of a specialized laboratory space, collaborating closely with the R&D team on highly impactful, hands‑on engineering projects focused on autonomous environmental hardware.

Responsibilities

• Autonomous Hardware R&D: Assist the engineering team in developing an autonomous vehicle designed for water surface operations.
• Pilot Infrastructure Support: Assist in building a technical pilot project and an educational pavilion tailored for microplastic collection.
• Startup Operations: Participate flexibly in early‑stage engineering workflows, problem‑solving, and transforming design concepts into commercialized tech products.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, targeting current juniors and seniors. Ideal majors include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related applied STEM disciplines.
• Technical Experience: A strong background in scientific research is required, with at least one year of wet‑lab experience highly preferred.
• Software & Design Skills: Prior knowledge of 3D modeling software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor or Creo) or prior hands‑on experience designing robotic hardware systems is strongly preferred.
• Core Competencies: Great technical writing and note‑taking skills; precision‑driven attention to detail; accountability; and a passion for environmental sustainability.
• Requirements: Must be a Pell Grant recipient for the current academic year. Candidates must live within a commutable distance of the laboratory site.

How to Apply

• Verify Pell Grant Status: Submit a screenshot of the Pell Grant section from your Financial Aid portal for the 2025-26 school year. You may black out dollar amounts.
• Submit Documentation: Send the screenshot and your resume (saved as a PDF titled “First Name Last Name”) via Handshake message or directly to [e-mail].
• Virtual Intro Meeting: Once verified, you will be invited to a 30–35 minute video call to learn more about the Project Onramp program and share your background. This is a preliminary step.