The IACMI Internship Program

The IACMI Internship program fosters relationships between member companies, universities and national laboratories and the best and brightest undergrad and graduate students in the field of composites and advanced materials. Apply today to become an IACMI intern or to host an IACMI intern.

Unlock your potential with a hands-on internship that connects you with industry leaders and sets you on a path to success.

Program Overview

The IACMI Internship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience with composites, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. Partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy, our goal is to prepare a skilled workforce in U.S. manufacturing through training with one of our 160+ members throughout the country.

Internships are win-wins for students and professionals, as IACMI interns contribute to real projects driving innovation. Our program connects you with industry leaders, giving you a front-row seat to the future of manufacturing and technology.

100% of our interns have graduated with job offers in the industry or acceptance into graduate programs. You’ll leave with more than just experience – you’ll leave with a career path.

Internships Placed to Date: 100+
Placement: Industry, research institutions, and academic settings
Outcomes: 100% of interns have secured a job offer or acceptance into a graduate program

Internship Program Details

Since 2016, the IACMI Internship Program has provided participants with a rich experience in hands-on learning and professional growth, offering the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in emerging technologies. Interns showcase their experience at IACMI’s annual Members Meeting, which draws over 300 attendees from IACMI members.

Summer Interns:

Duration: 10 weeks (June – August 2026)
Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Deadline to apply: February 5, 2026

Semester Interns:

Spring Semester: January 20-April 27, 2026
Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (15 hours per week), remote options available

Fall Semester: Sept. 2-December 8, 2026
Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (15 hours per week), remote options available

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
Minimum GPA of 3.2
At least 18 years old at the time of the appointment
Must provide proof of health insurance
Must be enrolled in one of the following areas of study:

Mechanical Engineering	Architectural Engineering	Nuclear Engineering
Industrial Engineering	Chemical Engineering	Data Science Engineering
Structural Engineering	Biomedical Engineering	Civil Engineering
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering	Systems Engineering	Polymer/Plastics Engineering
Composites Engineering	Textile Sciences and Engineering	Manufacturing Engineering
Computer Science	Applied Mathematics	Robotics Engineering
Engineering Design	Systems Science and Theory	Polymer Chemistry
Machine Tool Technology	Automotive Engineering Chemistry	Electromechanical Technology
Industrial Production Engineering	Directed Energy Systems Technology	Electrical Engineering
Applied Engineering	Metallurgy	Data Analytics and Materials Science

*Other STEM Field with approval from IACMI

Applicants cannot be related to any member of IACMI staff, board, or host organizations.

Intern Benefits

Competitive Stipend: Up to $23/hour for undergraduates and up to $28/hour for graduates
Housing Allowance: Up to $300/week, provided on a case-by-case basis
Travel Assistance: Up to $1,600 for initial and final travel to the internship site
Professional Development: Networking opportunities, mentorship, and participation in IACMI member meetings

Application Process

Check Eligibility: Review the requirements to ensure you qualify.
Apply Online: Complete the application.
Get Matched: We’ll match you with an internship that aligns with your skills and career goals.

Interns-Apply Now

*You may only be an IACMI intern three times in a row, there must be a break between terms three and four.

Want to be a Host Organization?

Why Host an Intern?
Become a host and support the next generation of innovators while gaining valuable assistance with your projects. IACMI manages and vets applications, ensuring you get motivated and talented interns.

Host Benefits:

Access to motivated and skilled interns
Cost-sharing with IACMI for intern stipends and travel
Support education and workforce development

Cost Share:
IACMI will reimburse a portion of direct costs as shown below. All indirect costs will be covered by the Host.

Small Business (1-50 employees): Host covers 20%; IACMI reimburses 80%
Medium Business (51-500 employees): Host covers 30%; IACMI reimburses 70%
Large Business (500+ employees): Host covers 40%; IACMI reimburses 60%
Academic Institutions: Host covers 30%; IACMI reimburses 70%

Become a Host Organization:
Submit your host application, including a job description, and outline the objectives for the internship.

Deadline to apply for Summer Host Organization is March 5, 2026

**You may only be a Host Organization three times in a row, there must be a break between terms three and four.

Become a Host Company

IACMI Interns Making Impact in Composites

Contact Us

For questions or more information, please contact Andrew Pokelwaldt, Education & Workforce Director at andrewp@IACMI.org

Feature

Where Are They Now?

At the core of the IACMI Internship Program is a dedication to fully preparing undergraduate and graduate students to transition into composites professionals with technical experience in the composites field. The program provides opportunities for students to enrich their understanding of advanced composites materials and processes through hands-on experience in world-class IACMI partner and member facilities. Intern industry projects include large companies, such as Volkswagen and Ford, and small to medium-sized companies, such as Vartega and 4X Technologies/4M Carbon Fiber Corp.

Whether committing to composites industry or academic research, IACMI interns leave the program well connected, having made significant contributions in the advancement of composites innovation. The IACMI Where Are They Now campaign highlights the continued education, work, and progress of former IACMI interns. IACMI is proud to have played a role in developing the future leaders of composites and advanced manufacturing.

Read about our interns