STUDENT ASSISTANT-R&D - STUDENT ENGINEER - Laboratory Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio invites an undergraduate intern to assist in research on fluid systems and testing. Work under a senior engineer to operate experiments and gain hands-on experience with data acquisition and controls.

The Fall 2026 start is anticipated; a U.S. person is required due to ITAR work. Position is year-round and local to San Antonio.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 0 years: Experience with SolidWorks, Python, LabVIEW, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics is acceptable.
• Local San Antonio student position starting Fall 2026.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental laboratory research for complex fluid flow systems at oil, water, gas, and multiphase facilities.
• Prioritize tasks across multiple projects with support from senior staff.
• Learn and apply new skills in a fast-paced research environment.
• Conduct experimental testing, implement data acquisition and controls, and interpret data to draw conclusions.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Heat transfer

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Who We Are:

We solve complex fluids problems to help society gain access to energy and water. Mutual respect and collaboration define our culture, where the sharing of knowledge and the drive for excellence are pervasive. Safety is a top priority and is integrated in every operation.

Objectives of this Role:

Work under direction of a senior engineer to assist in research on fluid systems and fluid handling equipment. Operate experimental testing programs that create field-realistic process flow conditions (pressure, temperature, fluids) in controlled test environments. Year-round local student position. Anticipated start of Fall 2026.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental laboratory research for complex fluid flow systems at existing oil, water, gas, and particle multiphase flow facilities and other specialized temporary test setups.
• Manage and prioritize assigned tasks among multiple projects. With support from senior staff, solve problems that do not have a clear solution path.
• Learn and apply new skills in a fast-paced research environment led by pursuit of industry's most pressing engineering challenges.
• Conduct experimental testing, implement data acquisition and controls systems, and interpret collected data to make conclusions.

Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or other related engineering degree.
• 0 years: SolidWorks, Python, LabVIEW, thermodynamics, heat transfer, or fluid dynamics.
• Local San Antonio student position. Anticipated start of Fall 2026.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.