Mechanical Engineering Intern

i3 has an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering Intern to support the Naval Research Laboratory, Tactical Electronic Warfare Division. The TEWD's mission is to protect the warfighter from emerging threats by advancing electronic warfare (EW) through RDT&E of current and future technologies.

This internship is for the Summer 2027 time frame and will be an on-site internship.

Pay Range $25-48/hour The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

• Assist in 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design of RF electronics enclosures, chassis, and antenna mounting fixtures for EW threat simulators
• Support thermal testing, temperature profiling, and evaluation of test fixtures and electronic packaging under operational conditions
• Assist senior engineers with mechanical integration, assembly, cabling routing, and hardware fit-checks
• Help prepare and execute mechanical test setups, including vibration and shock testing for ruggedized electronic assemblies
• Create and maintain detailed 2D engineering drawings, mechanical assembly documentation, and bills of materials
• Support rapid prototyping efforts, including 3D printing and liaison with machine shop fabrication for prototype brackets and fixtures
• Document thermal and structural test results and present findings to engineering team members
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/

Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Candidate must be a current student at the time of the internship.
• Completed foundational coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer, statics, mechanics of materials, or machine design
• Experience using 3D CAD modeling software such as Solid Works, Creo, Inventor, or Siemens NX through academic coursework or projects
• Hands‑on laboratory, makerspace, or shop experience with hand tools, rapid prototyping, or basic metrology equipment
• Understanding of basic mechanical drafting standards, dimensioning, and tolerance concepts
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance. An Active Secret clearance is required prior to start
• U.S. Citizenship is required

Desired Education/

Experience:

• Coursework or project exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using tools such as ANSYS or Solid Works Simulation
• Familiarity with electronics packaging and ruggedization concepts for defense or aerospace environments
• Experience designing test fixtures, brackets, or mounts specifically for antenna and RF hardware
• Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, or sheet metal fabrication
• Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and test data analysis
• Familiarity with environmental test standards such as MIL-STD-810 thermal and dynamic profiles

• Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
• Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.
• Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Work with supervision and have accountability for accurate and complete results.
• Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.
• Work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Be energized by…