Undergraduate Co-op
Mechanical Engineering
Posted on 11/1/2025

MKS Instruments
Compensation Overview
$25 - $32/hr
Andover, MA, USA
In Person
We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our success.
Undergraduate Intern / Co-op Program Overview:
· 6-month co-op assignment within a functional area of MKS Instruments that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends.
· Meaningful work and project assignments
· Networking opportunities with peers and executives
· Exposure to different divisions of the business
· Understanding of MKS Instruments’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A Day in Your life at MKS: Instruments is seeking an exceptional Mechanical/Optical Engineering Intern to join the team. In this position, you will work within the metrology group to help support the design, build, and testing of a next generation optical pressure standard and pressure metrology tools. You will be reporting to the Principal Scientist in Engineering group.
Principal Responsibilities:
· Work with our Engineering team to design, build, and test components of a next generation optical pressure standard
· Help the Engineering team to design mounting and enclosures for electronic and optical components; sometimes using 3D printing, CNC milling, etc.
· Perform various types of mechanical and thermal analyses using SolidWorks and/or ANSYS FEA with the help/guidance of a Principal Mechanical Engineer
· Analyze test data and produce detailed reports
· Design and troubleshoot various test systems
· Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of Travel is required.
Skills You Bring:
· Enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or relevant major
· Comfortable with using standard hand tools for building test systems
· SolidWorks CAD modeling (FEA analysis is beneficial but not required)
· Microsoft Excel, MATLAB or Python script writing for data processing
· Soldering of various electrical wiring and PCB components
· Electronics debugging via resistance and electrical continuity testing
· Qualified candidates should be US Persons
Competencies:
•Willingness to perform extensive test data analysis
•Good understanding of mechanical or optomechanical design principles
•Good understanding of heat transfer principles
•Proficient with using test instrumentation like thermocouples, oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc.
•Experience with pressure and vacuum systems or optics is beneficial but not required
Supervisory Scope:
• Reporting Relationships: Reporting to Principal Scientist in Engineering group
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: • Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time • Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination • Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand • Must be able to exchange accurate information • The ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) • Operates in a professional office environment • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery • Noise level in the work environment is usually average
Hourly Pay Range: $25.00 to $32.00 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co-ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
#LI-DNI
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected].
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role
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