Mechanical Engineering Intern- Lake Forest, CA (100% on-site)

At Panasonic Avionics Corporation, interns play a meaningful role in driving innovation and shaping the future of inflight entertainment. We’re excited to welcome motivated, forward-thinking students to join our growing teams for Summer 2026. Our paid internships run 100% on-site from May/June through August/September, and all candidates must be actively enrolled students during the program.

Who We Are:

Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, WiFi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!

How exciting would it be to be a part of the innovation that goes into creating technology that delights millions of people in an industry that’s here to stay!

To learn more about internship program visit: https://www.panasonic.aero/internships

We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our Inflight Entertainment Systems design team. This role offers hands-on experience in designing, testing, and supporting mechanical components for advanced passenger entertainment and connectivity solutions used in commercial aircraft. The intern will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet stringent aerospace standards for safety, reliability, and performance.

Project Task:

• Assist in the design and development of mechanical components for inflight entertainment systems, including enclosures, brackets, and thermal management solutions.
• Create and update 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings using industry-standard tools (e.g., Creo, NX, etc.).
• Support tolerance analysis, material selection, and structural integrity assessments.
• Participate in prototype builds and mechanical testing (vibration, thermal, and environmental).
• Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical and electronic components.
• Document design changes, test results, and compliance with aerospace standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturability and cost optimization.

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern on the Inflight Entertainment Systems team, you will gain:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Work with advanced CAD tools (Creo, NX) to create and refine mechanical components for aerospace applications.
• Aerospace Standards Knowledge: Learn how to design within strict FAA and industry regulations for safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineers to integrate mechanical designs into complex electronic assemblies.
• Prototyping & Testing Skills: Participate in building prototypes and conducting mechanical tests such as vibration, thermal, and environmental qualification.
• Material & Manufacturing Insight: Understand material properties, tolerance analysis, and manufacturability considerations for high-volume production.
• Problem-Solving in Real Projects: Contribute to resolving design challenges and improving product performance for global airline customers.
• Documentation & Process Discipline: Gain experience in engineering documentation, change control, and compliance processes essential in aerospace development.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field. Completed at least the 3rd year of BSME from a credited university.
• Familiarity with CAD software (Creo, NX, or similar).
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Must be able to commute and work on-site 5 days a week.
• Must be currently enrolled as a fulltime student at an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience with MS Project, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to decipher technical documents with experience reading engineering drawings. Excellent communication skills both written and spoken.

The hourly wage range for this position is $25- $43.  The final offer amount may vary and is based on the candidates' year in school. The minimum hourly wage for this role will be the greater of the posted range, or minimum wage for the location where the employee will be working, subject to local minimum wage requirements.    

Applicants must be authorized to work on a full-time basis for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any type of employment-based visa at this time.

Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporation

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