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 (i.e., vibration testing)
- Build, wire, and set up test configurations; assist engineers in executing test plans and capturing 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
- 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 — coursework projects, competition teams (FSAE, robotics, rocketry), makerspace work, personal builds, or shop/trade experience all count
- 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. citizen and eligible/willing to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
The anticipated hourly pay range for this position is $18–$28 per hour, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors. The compensation range provided is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.
Additional InformationTAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Skills Required
- 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, competition teams, makerspace work, personal builds, or shop/trade experience
- Comfort with hand tools, fasteners, and basic shop safety practices
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work on-site in Columbia, Maryland, approximately 20 hours per week
- U.S. citizenship
- Eligibility and willingness to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance
What We Do
TAP Engineering (LLC) is a small, Maryland-based firm providing secure, trusted microelectronics hardware engineering, firmware development, and research support to the DoD, Intelligence Community, and commercial clients. TAP's engineers and research scientists have an average of 20 years' experience driving technology development from applied research to engineering development, prototype, test, production, and field support.
