Mechanical Engineering Intern - Commutable/Local Only
This opportunity is available through Project Onramp, a program to help Pell-granted undergraduates gain access to paid summer internships, industry mentors, and early career training in the Life Sciences sector and related industries. We are partnered with 100+ companies across the country, and have placed 1,000 students in summer internships since 2019. You can read more about us here.
PROJECT ONRAMP
THIS PROGRAM HAS NO COST TO STUDENTS. IT IS FREE.
Mechanical Engineering Intern
🚨 IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY NOTE: This role is 100% on-site in New Jersey. Applicants MUST permanently reside or ALREADY HAVE CONFIRMED HOUSING within a commutable distance of the facility (NY/NJ/CT). Housing/relocation is NOT provided.
- Location: Kearny Point, NJ / (100% On-site)
- Duration: Summer 2026 (40 hours per week)
- Compensation: At least $20.00 per hour
-
Application Deadline: ASAP
The Corporate Partner
Our Corporate Partner is a rising cleantech startup dedicated to tackling major environmental challenges and microplastic pollution in global waterways. Led by recognized industry fellows, the company engineers unique filtration, analysis, and monitoring technologies. Their innovative systems are deployed internationally across North America and Asia to help water treatment, lake, and river facilities protect aquatic ecosystems.
The Role
Our partner is looking for a proactive, precision-driven undergraduate to join their team as a Mechanical Engineering Intern. Operating fully on-site out of their specialized laboratory space, the intern will work closely with the Research & Development (R&D) team on highly impactful, hands-on engineering projects focused on autonomous environmental hardware.
Responsibilities
-
Autonomous Hardware R&D: Assist the engineering team in developing an autonomous vehicle designed for water surface operations.
-
Pilot Infrastructure Support: Assist in building a technical pilot project and an educational pavilion tailored for microplastic collection.
-
Startup Operations: Participate flexibly in early-stage engineering workflows, problem-solving, and transforming design concepts into commercialized tech products.
Qualifications
-
Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, targeting current Juniors and Seniors. Ideal majors include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related applied STEM disciplines.
-
Technical Experience: A strong background in scientific research is required, with at least one year of wet lab experience highly preferred.
-
Software & Design Skills: Prior knowledge of 3D modeling software (such as Autodesk Inventor or Creo) OR prior hands-on experience designing robotic hardware systems is strongly preferred.
-
Core Competencies: Great technical writing and note-taking skills; precision-driven attention to detail; accountability; and a passion for environmental sustainability.
- Requirements: Must be a Pell Grant Recipient for the current academic year. Candidates must live within a commutable distance of the laboratory site.
How to Apply
-
Verify Pell Grant Status: Submit a screenshot of the Pell Grant section from your Financial Aid portal for the 2025-26 school year. You may black out dollar amounts.
-
Submit Documentation: Send the screenshot and your resume (saved as a PDF titled “First Name Last Name”) via Handshake message or directly to kevin.nicholas@lifesciencecares.org.
- Virtual Intro Meeting: Once verified, you will be invited to a 30–35 minute video call to learn more about the Project Onramp program and share your background. This is a preliminary step.