Mechanical Engineering Intern: Portable Optomechanics

overviewenergy; Ashburn (GA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Overview Energy is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to design the mounting structure for our ground beacon system and ensure it can move from lab to field test efficiently.

You will work with the optics team to meet optical beacon requirements, evaluate environmental effects on the installed system, and document design decisions that balance portability, modularity, and alignment stability.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's program in mechanical or aerospace engineering with Spring 2027 graduation.
• Proficiency in CAD; NX preferred.
• Coursework in statics, mechanics of materials, and vibrations.
• Hands-on fabrication or assembly experience (machine shop, Formula SAE, robotics, or labs).
• Available to commit 5–10 hours per week, Sep 2026–Mar 2027, on-site in Northern Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Design system mounting for three states: pre-delivery, in transit, and installed at the test site.
• Trade portability and modularity against stiffness and alignment retention, and document the reasoning behind the design you pick.
• Design a transportable platform to house beacon equipment.
• Build parametric CAD models and produce drawings a machine shop can quote and manufacture.
• Analyze environmental effects on the installed system, including temperature and wind loading, and quantify the impact on pointing stability.
• Characterize transportation effects - shock, vibration, and handling - and recommend mitigations.
• Support setup, teardown, and field checkout with the optics team.

Skills

CAD

NX

Statics

Mechanics

Vibrations

Fabrication

Documentation

On-site

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

Overview Energy is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to design the mounting structure for our ground beacon system and ensure it can move from lab to field test efficiently.

You will work with the optics team to meet optical beacon requirements, evaluate environmental effects on the installed system, and document design decisions that balance portability, modularity, and alignment stability.