Engineering Intern – Materials & Process Modeling (Summer 2026)

CelLink is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Intern to support a focused, high-impact summer project within our Engineering team. This role will center on developing a predictive model of laminated material deformation through our manufacturing processes.

This is a hands-on opportunity to work on a well-defined, technically meaningful problem with direct application to production. The intern will collaborate with engineering and operations teams to translate real-world process data into a usable predictive tool that supports new product development and process optimization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a predictive, equation-based (analytical) model to estimate deformation (e.g., shrinkage) of laminated materials during manufacturing processes.
•  Utilize existing in-line measurement data and lookup tables from current products as a baseline.
• Expand from product-specific data to a generalized model capable of predicting behavior for new product designs prior to production.
• Validate model outputs against observed manufacturing data and refine for accuracy.
• (Optional/Bonus) Develop a computer-based simulation model to complement the analytical approach.
• Analyze material behavior data collected from manufacturing processes.
• Translate physical behavior into mathematical relationships and predictive equations.
• Build and document a generalized predictive model.
• Partner with engineering teams to validate assumptions and results.
• Present findings, methodology, and recommendations at the conclusion of the internship.
• Document work in a format that can be maintained and expanded by the team.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Coursework in Mechanics of Materials (required).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate real-world physical behavior into mathematical models.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Exposure to thermal processes, material deformation, or predictive modeling is a plus.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., FEA or similar) is a bonus. 
  

A qualified candidate will have a subset of these skills

• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to work independently on a defined project while collaborating cross-functionally
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts
• Curiosity and willingness to test, iterate, and refine assumptions
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment 
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Working Conditions/Hours/Location 

This role is an hourly position, and the intern will be required to work at least 30-40 hours per week during the internship. The start date and duration of the internship are flexible depending on availability, with a minimum commitment of 8 weeks. 

Internship will take place onsite in San Carlos, CA, or Georgetown, TX.

****Additional Information****

No housing or relocation stipend is available for interns at this time. 

Sponsorship for employment visa status for internship positions is unavailable at this time. 

Physical Demands – Manufacturing Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day. Position includes ability to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms and pull/push; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl for extended periods of time. The employee must lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance (including ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs). Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment – Manufacturing/Shop Environment

Includes a shop environment, with exposure to high noise levels from operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and skin exposure to hazardous materials used during material prep process.

PPE

May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump-caps, gloves, hair nets, masks, & clean-room frocks while adhering to the prescribed safety procedures.