Mechanical Engineering Intern

Position Overview

TAP Engineering is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern to support our hardware team in Columbia, MD. This is a shop-and-lab-forward role: you'll spend your time designing, building, and testing real hardware rather than sitting on the sidelines.

You'll work alongside mechanical and electrical engineers supporting the design, fabrication, and test of electronic products — helping bring test setups from a sketch on a whiteboard to a working fixture on the bench. This position is well-suited to a student who likes making things, is comfortable with tools, and wants to see how mechanical design decisions play out in a real product.

Key Responsibilities

• Design test fixtures, brackets, mounts, and setup hardware in SolidWorks to support electronics testing.
• Fabricate parts and assemblies using 3D printers, hand tools, and basic shop equipment.
• Support outsourced machining and sheet metal fabrication.
• Set up and conduct environmental and functional qualification tests, including vibration testing.
• Build, wire, and configure test setups.
• Assist engineers in executing test plans and capturing test data.
• Create and revise 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Support prototype builds, mechanical assembly, and design verification activities.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas for improving hardware and test methods.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Demonstrated hands-on aptitude through coursework projects, competition teams (FSAE, robotics, rocketry), makerspace work, personal builds, or shop/trade experience.
• Comfort with hand tools, fasteners, and basic shop safety practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work on-site in Columbia, MD, approximately 20 hours per week.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Eligible and willing to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance.

What You'll Get

• Direct mentorship from experienced mechanical and electrical engineers
• Ownership of real design and fabrication tasks that ship with the product
• Broad exposure to the full hardware development cycle — design, build, test, iterate
• Flexible scheduling around coursework, with the opportunity to continue across semesters

Additional Information

TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex