JobsMercury Marine

Mercury Marine: Materials Engineering Intern

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a class lab project where you had to prepare and test a material sample. Walk me through what you did.

whether the candidate has real hands-on lab experience beyond just coursework theory

Tell me about a time you had to write up results from an experiment for someone who wasn't in the room when you ran it.

ability to produce clear technical documentation that engineers and technicians can act on

Tell me about a time you had two or three deadlines hitting at once. How did you decide what to work on first?

ability to juggle multiple lab projects, which the posting explicitly calls out

Tell me about a time you didn't understand something a professor or supervisor asked you to do. How did you handle it?

comfort asking questions in a technical environment rather than guessing and making mistakes

Why materials engineering, and why does something like an outboard engine component interest you?

genuine interest in the field versus taking any internship that was available

Technical

Have you used a scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, or a spectrometer before? What were you looking at and what did you learn from it?

actual exposure level to the specific instrumentation this role requires, since interns are expected to operate this gear quickly

What's the difference between a ductile and a brittle fracture, and how would you tell them apart just by looking at a broken part?

foundational materials science knowledge that underlies failure analysis work

Have you worked with corrosion testing or heard of it in your coursework? What causes metal to corrode faster in some environments than others?

relevance to marine engine materials, which live in a harsh saltwater/freshwater environment

What's the difference between how you'd prepare a metal sample versus a polymer sample for microscopy?

depth of hands-on sample prep knowledge across material types, since the role touches both metallurgy and polymers

How comfortable are you with Excel for organizing test data? Have you built anything like a tracking sheet or a simple chart to summarize results?

practical readiness to manage organized records across multiple concurrent projects

Situational

Say you're given a failed engine component and asked to figure out why it cracked. How would you start your investigation?

basic grasp of failure analysis logic, even without professional experience

If you got a set of test results that didn't match what you expected, what would you do before reporting them?

scientific rigor and whether they'd second-guess data or just report it blindly

If a piece of lab equipment gave you a strange or inconsistent reading in the middle of a test, what would you do?

troubleshooting instinct and whether they'd ask for help versus guess

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Mercury Marine- Fond Du Lac, WI-Mercury Marine: Materials Engineering Intern Location: Plant 12- Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: Onsite Travel Required: None Direct Reports: No Pay Range:  $18.00-27.50 Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.   Relocation: Yes Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality: Position Overview :  As a Materials Engineering Intern at Mercury Marine, you will support the Materials Engineering team in evaluating materials, components, and manufacturing processes used in outboard and stern-drive engines. This hands-on role provides exposure to laboratory testing, failure analysis, inspection methods, and technical documentation while working alongside engineers and technicians to deliver timely, accurate results that support product quality, manufacturing, and engineering decisions. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.  Essential Functions :   • Operate laboratory equipment used for experimental analysis, including a scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, spectrometer, automated microhardness tester, image analysis software, energy-dispersive spectrometer, differential scanning calorimeter, and other instrumentation. • Prepare and process test samples using standard laboratory equipment and procedures. • Prepare accurate written documentation and concise reports that summarize laboratory test results, data, conclusions, and recommendations. Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications:    • Current enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related Mechanical Engineering Technology program with a materials emphasis. • Availability to work full-time (40 or more hours per week) during the the months May through August of 2027. • Minimum second-semester sophomore status with at least 48 completed credits. • Completion of two semesters of classroom laboratory experience in the student's major. • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accurate, organized records and data. • Hands-on willingness to process test samples using standard laboratory equipment and procedures. • Efficient and effective technical communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Knowledge of and interest in physical metallurgy, polymer science, corrosion testing, and engineering principles. • Working understanding of basic manufacturing processes and technologies. • Independent, adaptable, and motivated self-starter willing to take ownership of project results and deadlines. • Comfortable with asking questions and working collaboratively in a team environment. • Dependable and engaged learner. • Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Working Conditions: • Learning Opportunities: Our Student Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional setting. You will work alongside experienced professionals and get a chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world tasks.  • Project Work: The work environment is supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning. Student interns typically work on specific projects or tasks that contribute to the organization’s goals. This may range from supporting larger projects to handling smaller, individual assignments.   • Hours: Interns are expected to work a full 40-hour work week • Feedback and Performance Reviews: You will receive feedback and performance reviews throughout your assignment. We value the importance of interns understanding their progress and areas for improvement.  The pay range for this position is $18.00-27.50 per hour.  The actual hourly rate offered will vary depending on multiple factors including year in school/credits earned, degree, job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. Why Brunswick:   Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards !  About Mercury Marine Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com. Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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