Intern: Prototype Test & Assembly (Summer 2026)

What you will do

As a Prototype Test & Assembly Intern, you will work hands-on with our prototype test technicians on the development and validation of next-generation trucks. You will support instrumentation, testing, and special prototype projects, gaining real-world experience in a fast-paced, shop-floor and test-environment setting. This role is ideal for a student who is passionate about vehicles, testing, and practical engineering, and who wants to see how ideas move from concept to a real truck on the test track. 

Responsibilities:

• Support prototype test technicians in day-to-day activities on trucks and components.
• Assist with vehicle instrumentation, including: Installing and routing sensors (e.g. pressure, temperature, strain, displacement), mounting and securing data acquisition equipment, performing basic wiring, terminations, and connector work. You`ll also assits with verifying sensor signals and data quality.
• Contribute to test preparation and execution: Help prepare trucks and components for lab, track, and durability tests, assist in performing functional checks and basic diagnostic checks prior to testing, support the execution of test procedures under the guidance of technicians/engineers and monitor tests, record observations, and log issues during test runs.
• Participate in special projects, such as: Prototype builds and assembly modifications, installation of experimental components or systems, support for root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Perform data handling tasks: Download and organize test data from data acquisition systems, perform basic data review to check completeness and consistency, update test logs, build records, and configuration documentation.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment: Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and shop/test track protocols, keep tools, equipment, and work areas clean and well organized. 

What You Will Learn: 

• How prototype trucks are instrumented, tested, and validated before production.
• Practical skills in sensor installation, wiring, and data acquisition setup.
• Best practices in test planning, execution, and documentation in an engineering environment.
• Collaboration with experienced prototype technicians and engineers on real-world projects and challenges. 

Work Environment: 

• Shop and test environment with frequent hands-on work on and around trucks.
• Combination of floor work, test track/lab presence, and office tasks for data and documentation.
• Requires adherence to strict safety standards and use of appropriate PPE. 

Who are you?

You are a Mechanical Engineering (or related fields) student that is prepared to work in a challenging and fast-paced environment, gaining experience and knowledge in various aspects of engineering (or mechanical, electrical, software, design, production, etc.).  As a valued member of our engineering team, you will have the opportunity to work directly with the engineers in the department.  We value collaboration and life-long learning and our goal is to contribute to your development while providing you an opportunity to work in a business environment within the manufacturing industry.  You will report to the Group Manager - Prototype Test & Assembly Workshop.

Required:

• Must be enrolled and pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field at an accredited school and have completed 30 semester hours of undergraduate studies. 
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75
• Summer interns may work up to 30 hours per week.
• Basic understanding of: Mechanical systems (vehicle components, fasteners, torque, etc.) and Electrical fundamentals (voltage, current, wiring, sensors), and willingness to work with basic instrumentation.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on environment (shop, test lab, or test track) around vehicles and power tools.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow procedures and documentation standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team with technicians and engineers. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience (school projects, hobby, or work) with: Automotive or heavy vehicle systems, data acquisition systems or test instrumentation, basic hand tools, power tools, and measurement tools.
• Familiarity with Excel or other tools for basic data review and reporting.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate vehicles in a test facility environment (if required by site policies).