Opportunities

As a R&D Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support the Cell Product team in evolving different technologies that can become production product lines.  

Sandia National Laboratories welcomes students from high school through PhD level to participate in internships and co-ops that offer real-world, challenging projects contributing to critical national goals. Programs include summer internships (10-12 weeks, May-August), year-round internships for local students (up to 25 hours weekly), and co-op internships (3-8 month placements). Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and full-time students with minimum GPA of 3.0 for R&D roles or 2.5 for clerical positions. Interns contribute to research and development using state-of-the-art equipment while receiving mentorship from scientists and engineers. Specialized Intern Institutes focus on cybersecurity, energy systems, and software development. Sandia emphasizes that recruiters manually review resumes, making strong applications essential. Competitive compensation and benefits packages support intern contributions to national security missions.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) offers internship opportunities for STEM majors seeking practical experience in research and development. Based in San Antonio, Texas, SwRI provides distinctive benefits including complimentary housing and paid transportation. Interns work on challenging R&D projects across various technical divisions, gaining experience that directly impacts clients. Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited university program with a focus on STEM disciplines. The program includes social activities such as summer events, end-of-summer presentations, and volunteer opportunities that foster community among participants. SwRI is an independent, nonprofit applied research and development organization with nearly 3,000 employees. Candidates can search opportunities through SwRI's career portal and attend campus recruiting events. The institute offers competitive compensation alongside unique benefits that make it an attractive destination for engineering and science students.

The technology and innovation intern supports the team in researching emerging technologies, assessing innovative solutions, and contributing to strategic initiatives that advance organizational capabilities.

Tesla interns collaborate across disciplines, borders, and production lines to support the mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. The program offers one-on-one mentorship, interactive networking events, and weekly seminars within Tesla's community of experts. Most internships require a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site. The program is for actively enrolled students; recent graduates should apply for full-time positions. Engineering internships span cell materials, reliability, aerodynamics, thermal engineering, electrical engineering, controls and software automation, and manufacturing across locations including Fremont, Austin, Palo Alto, and Louisville. Compensation ranges from $34-$52/hour plus benefits. The technical interview process includes a 90-120 minute HackerRank assessment. With acceptance rates estimated below 3-5% for competitive engineering positions, Tesla internships are highly selective but provide unparalleled experience in sustainable energy technology.

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) provides multiple paid internship opportunities for students and recent graduates exploring federal careers. The Student Internship Program allows high school, college, and trade school students to work as paid employees (up to GS-11 level) while completing education, with temporary, year-round, or summer positions available. The Recent Graduates Program offers one-year developmental experiences paying GS-09 to GS-12 levels. The HACU Internship Program serves students at Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities institutions, with three annual intake periods paying $15.25/hour (undergraduates) to $17.00/hour (graduates). Applicants must maintain minimum 2.0 GPA (3.0 for HACU), be enrolled or recently graduated, and be U.S. citizens. Applications are submitted through USAJobs.gov or program-specific portals, with positions aligned to individual academic and career goals in agricultural science and research.

The NU-Materials Research Science and Engineering Center offers an interdisciplinary REU program focused on nanoscale materials, facilitating research projects and professional development for undergraduate students in science and engineering fields.

The BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute) is collaborating with Promega to provide D.O.O.R.S. Scholarships to 10 outstanding undergraduate students pursuing life sciences. Selection is based on academic excellence, professional promise, and a commitment to research or industry engagement.

The Chemistry Department at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities invites students to apply to cheMNext, an in-person graduate pre-admissions recruiting event for the next generation of UMN chemists during the weekend of October 9, 2026.