Mechanical Engineer Intern

Ignite Digital enables national security agencies to accelerate decisions, elevate operational outcomes and achieve the outsized performance only an inside partner can deliver. We combine mission experience, domain knowledge and technology expertise with the things partners can only know by being there every day. When agencies need a combination of tech and touch, Ignite Digital creates outcome-driving partnerships and stands with agencies to accomplish mission objectives.

Ignite Digital accelerates capability to the speed of every mission, deploying intelligent solutions and AI integration for faster, better transformation. Ignite delivers partnership beyond presentations to inspire the confidence to lead in a digital-forward world. Ignite Digital. The Edge from Within.

• Competitive pay and benefits, including PTO
• Education stipends and referral bonuses
• Compelling work with the U.S. federal government
• Strong emphasis on volunteer and community engagement
• Opportunity to shape the future of our industry
• Supportive colleagues and management who invest in your growth

Ignite Digital has an exciting opportunity for a motivated Mechanical Engineer Intern to join our team in a fast-paced, rapid-prototyping lab environment. This internship offers a unique chance to work alongside our expert engineering team on a critical government project, the Tactical Integrated Data Ecosystem (TIDE). The successful candidate will assist in the design, fabrication, and testing of rugged, waterproof telemetry and data collection systems deployed on buoys.

This is a hands‑on role perfect for a student eager to apply their academic knowledge to real‑world mechanical engineering challenges, including CAD design, materials science, and environmental sealing.

• Assist senior engineers in the mechanical design and development of buoy‑based prototypes and waterproof enclosures for electronic systems using CAD software.
• Participate in the hands‑on fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical components and systems.
• Support the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including assembly drawings and design specifications.
• Assist in conducting environmental and stress tests to validate the durability, waterproofing, and overall performance of prototypes.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and technicians to ensure seamless integration of all electronic components, including sensors, batteries, and communication boards, into the mechanical housings.
• Contribute to troubleshooting mechanical issues and developing innovative solutions under the guidance of the engineering team.
• Perform precision hands‑on tasks including soldering, creating wire harnesses, and assembling components onto circuit boards as specified by the engineering team.
• Help manage the inventory of mechanical parts and materials for the project.

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
• A strong desire to work in a hands‑on, lab‑based environment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including materials and mechanics.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, CATIA, AutoCAD) is highly desirable.
• Previous experience with hands‑on projects (e.g., academic teams, personal projects, machine shop work, or 3D printing) is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• A proactive and enthusiastic attitude with a strong willingness to learn and contribute to team goals.
• Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to physically assist in lifting, servicing and retrieving deployed buoys. Must be able to assist the TIDE team aboard various boats operating within the Charleston Harbor waterways.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to pass a government background investigation.

Salary: $24/hr + dependent on education and experience

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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