Generative Manufacturing Engineering Design Intern

Job DetailsJob Location: IALR CMA - Danville, VA 24540Position Type: InternshipEducation Level: Not SpecifiedTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: ResearchABOUT THE INTERNSHIPInterested in mechanical engineering, 3D modeling, and the use of generative AI in modern manufacturing design? Join the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) for a summer internship supporting engineering design efforts within the Center for Manufacturing Advancement. You will develop and refine 3D CAD models, evaluate manufacturability, and explore AI‑assisted design tools that enhance both traditional machining and additive manufacturing workflows. This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data, and candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required. WHAT YOU’LL DO• Develop, refine, and optimize 3D CAD models for manufacturing applications • Utilize AI‑assisted design tools to support generative engineering workflows • Evaluate manufacturability with an emphasis on machining fundamentals • Support design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) and design‑for‑additive‑manufacturing (DFAM) initiatives • Apply engineering coursework and principles to real‑world design challenges • Assist with documentation, modeling tasks, and engineering analyses as needed WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• Hands‑on experience with generative AI tools and advanced CAD workflows • Practical understanding of machining principles, tolerances, cutting tools, and metrology • Insight into designing components suitable for both subtractive and additive manufacturing • Professional skills in engineering communication, collaboration, and technical problem-solving • Exposure to real‑world design‑for‑manufacturing environments within an advanced innovation center PROGRAM DETAILS• Duration: 8 weeks • Schedule: Approximately 28 hours per week, up to a maximum of 224 hours • Compensation: $15 per hour / $3,360 total stipend • Location: In-person at IALR (Danville, VA)   OTHER DETAILSIALR reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications may include a shortened timeframe with a pro‑rated adjustment to compensation, alternate assignments, or adjustments to work-site location. Internships are primarily in-person. The IALR Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance. QualificationsELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS •To be considered for the 2026 IALR Internship Program, applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria: •Be a high school graduate (may be graduating Spring 2026) with plans to attend college in Fall 2026 •Be a current undergraduate or graduate student •Be a recent college graduate (within the past 12 months) INTERNSHIP TIMELINE •Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM (EST) •Candidate Interviews (Microsoft Teams): April 16–17, 2026 •Intern Selection Notifications: April 30, 2026 Please note: IALR internships are highly competitive, and not all applicants will be invited to interview. MANDATORY PROGRAM DATES •Intern Orientation (required for all interns): June 1, 2026 OR June 8, 2026 •Mandatory Internship Luncheon and Final Presentations: July 24, 2026 TIME COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS •Interns must complete a total of 224 hours by August 10, 2026 •The internship is designed as an 8-week program served in consecutive weeks •Interns are permitted ONE unpaid week off during the program •Except for this one week, interns are expected to work continuously LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION All applicants must submit ONE letter of recommendation as part of the application process. The letter will be reviewed in addition to application responses. The letter must be received by March 20, 2026. SUBMISSION OPTIONS Letters of recommendation can be provided by email or address.  The details are below:  Email: hr@ialr.org Mail: ATTN: HR – Internship Institute for Advanced Learning and Research 150 Slayton Avenue Danville, VA 24540 LETTER REQUIREMENTS The letter must include: • The reference’s relationship to the applicant • Length of time the reference has known the applicant • Comments on the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the internship • Any concerns that may prevent successful completion of the internship