How to hire a mechanical engineering internship

How to hire a mechanical engineering internship, step by step

Here's a step-by-step mechanical engineering internship hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a mechanical engineering internship job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new mechanical engineering internship
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a mechanical engineering internship do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your mechanical engineering internship job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a mechanical engineering internship for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A mechanical engineering internship's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanical engineering interns from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of mechanical engineering internship salaries for various roles:

   Type of Mechanical Engineering Internship	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanical Engineering Internship	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	$15-25
   Co-Operations Engineer	A Co-Operations Engineer ensures that operations-related activities are performed in compliance with company standards and regulations. They optimize the overall efficiency of business.	$14-27
   Student Engineer	A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems... Show more	$25-45

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Solidworks
   • PowerPoint
   • Mechanical Design
   • Mechanical Systems
   • Revit
   • Auto CAD
   • MATLAB
   • HVAC
   • Product Development
   • Work Ethic
   • Ansys
   • Prototyping
   • Data Analysis
   • Engineering Drawings

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Programme VBA tool to organize and manage operator-supply production data into a comprehensive data set.
   • Develop design specifications, implement RTL, generate simulation models, test benches, design software and documentation.
   • Remodel PERL scripts to test DLL, PLL, USB, EFUSE, SERDES.
   • Check design package and concept drawings of Jr.
   • Develop python script functions for SBTS to find electrical shortages.
   • Design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for new and remodel buildings.

   More mechanical engineering internship duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the mechanical engineering internship job description is a good way to get more applicants. A mechanical engineering internship salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a mechanical engineering internship in North Carolina may be lower than in Illinois, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level mechanical engineering internship. Additionally, a mechanical engineering internship with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average mechanical engineering internship salary

   $42,749yearly

   $20.55 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanical engineering internship salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average mechanical engineering internship salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$50,648	$24
   2	Washington	$49,954	$24
   3	Maryland	$49,491	$24
   4	Massachusetts	$48,906	$24
   5	Arizona	$47,471	$23
   6	Delaware	$47,213	$23
   7	Minnesota	$45,853	$22
   8	Connecticut	$45,686	$22
   9	Ohio	$45,346	$22
   10	New Jersey	$44,885	$22
   11	Texas	$44,562	$21
   12	Georgia	$44,484	$21
   13	New York	$44,123	$21
   14	Colorado	$44,115	$21
   15	Missouri	$43,290	$21
   16	Arkansas	$43,036	$21
   17	Alabama	$42,659	$21
   18	Florida	$42,554	$20
   19	Pennsylvania	$42,011	$20
   20	South Carolina	$41,244	$20

   Average mechanical engineering internship salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	CDM Smith	$62,745	$30.17	1,886
   2	Nabors Industries	$62,185	$29.90	1
   3	Pacific Northwest National Laboratory	$58,337	$28.05
   4	Los Alamos National Laboratory	$57,407	$27.60	36
   5	AECOM	$52,388	$25.19	289
   6	Idaho Power	$50,298	$24.18
   7	Waupaca Foundry	$49,091	$23.60
   8	Steel Dynamics	$49,032	$23.57	34
   9	Altec	$48,487	$23.31	4
   10	BNSF Railway	$47,675	$22.92	6
   11	CITGO Petroleum	$46,832	$22.52
   12	Alliant Energy	$46,417	$22.32	1
   13	Bio-Rad Laboratories	$45,996	$22.11	2
   14	Harrison French and Associates	$45,881	$22.06	11
   15	New Hudson Facades	$45,429	$21.84
   16	Agilent Technologies	$45,407	$21.83	1
   17	Black & Veatch	$45,135	$21.70	301
   18	Comtech Telecommunications	$44,749	$21.51	4
   19	Wsp USA Buildings Inc.	$44,587	$21.44	397
   20	Masonite	$44,397	$21.34

4. Writing a mechanical engineering internship job description

   A mechanical engineering internship job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a mechanical engineering internship job description:

   Mechanical engineering internship job description example

   **_Great company. Great people. Great opportunities._**
   
   As a Service Technician Intern at United Rentals, you will learn the various types of equipment that United Rentals rents and their applications. This position will also learn both manual and maintenance tasks to support the branch operation, as well as, provide labor assistance to seasoned mechanics. Every day, you can improve and challenge yourself, and if you have the desire and ambition, you'll have the potential to work towards service technician roles in our Service Department upon receipt of degree and/or certification. Like every member of our team, we will rely on you to provide exceptional customer service to our customers.
   
   If you would enjoy the chance to make your mark with the world's largest equipment rental provider, consider a future with United Rentals. You will be supported by a strong management team that will help you achieve your goals. Plus, you will have the opportunity to relocate to one of our 1000+ locations.
   
   Job Requirements:
   
   + High school diploma or GED and pursuing technical degree or certification
   
   + Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
   
   + Strong mechanical aptitude with foundational knowledge of tools and equipment
   
   + Self- motivated with a strong drive and sense of urgency
   
   + Superior customer service, teamwork and verbal/written communication skills
   
   At United Rentals, the largest equipment rental company, we believe that it takes great employees to build a great organization - and we're passionate about helping our people grow professionally and embrace teamwork in everything they do. Our culture is based on our corporate values and centers on mutual respect, job satisfaction, diversity and a shared responsibility to build a better future.
   
   **What's in it for you?**
   
   **U.S. Full Time roles** : Best in class benefits offering includes medical, dental, vision, flex spending and health savings accounts; 401(k) retirement with company match; life and disability insurance; and paid time off including sick, vacation, holidays, and paid parental leave. Comprehensive training and development and career growth opportunities.
   
   **U.S. Part Time roles:** Benefits offering includes 401(k) retirement with company match; paid time off including sick, vacation and holidays; and comprehensive training and development and career growth opportunities.
   
   **Canada:** Best in class benefits package which includes medical, dental & vision, RRSP/DPSP*, paid time off, comprehensive training and development, and career growth opportunities.
   
   *Offered for full time roles, part time eligibility in select provinces
   
   United Rentals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right mechanical engineering internship for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your mechanical engineering internship job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical engineering internship candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit mechanical engineering interns, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new mechanical engineering internship

   Once you have selected a candidate for the mechanical engineering internship position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new mechanical engineering internship first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a mechanical engineering internship?