Mechanical Reliability Intern - Summer 2027

Role Purpose

The Summer 2027 Mechanical Testing intern will support a reliability study of brittle materials. The study will focus on component level testing including Ring on Ring, Four Point Bend, Digital Imaging Correlation (DIC) and Failure Mode Analysis. Under the guidance of technical staff, the intern will review literature, characterize materials, support reliability testing, develop hypotheses, and correlate observed behavior with measured materials.

Program Perks:

• Competitive salaries
• Assistance with housing and travel
• Meaningful project and final project presentation

Intern Activities:

• Social and networking opportunities
• Weekly tech talks
• Community involvement

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct component level testing on mechanically advantaged thin glass materials. 
• Conduct DIC on system-level consumer electronic products as well as pucks.  Analyze strain data and stress data.
• Design and execute experiments.
• Characterize brittle, glass-based multi-material systems using available laboratory methods and accurately document the results.
• Support reliability testing and conduct Failure Mode Analysis.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Currently pursuing an advanced degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with debugging of mechanical test methodologies with attention to detail. 
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, experimental protocols, and data-documentation practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a willingness to learn hands-on laboratory techniques.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate experimental results clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists and engineers while independently completing assigned tasks.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Familiarity with DIC (Digital Imaging Correlation).
• Experience with materials characterization or mechanical testing, mechanics of materials,  strength testing and Weibull analysis.
• Optical microscopy.
• Familiarity with experimental design and data analysis.
• Experience using spreadsheets, data-analysis tools, organize and analyze experimental data.
• Knowledge of experimental mechanics of brittle materials, including glasses or ceramics.