Innovation Intern

M. A. Mortenson Company; Minnesota; On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Mortenson invites motivated students to join the Innovation Intern program in Minnesota, gaining hands-on experience on project teams. You will assist in advancing innovative initiatives from concept to application, developing evaluation tools, schedules, and cost estimates for construction changes and automation.

You’ll collaborate with internal and external partners, communicate results, and contribute to a culture that embraces learning from failures.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design & Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Product Design, Automation & Robotics, Computer Coding & AI, Architecture, Data Analytics, Software Development or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, manufacturing and testing innovative product, process or system concepts.
• Create detailed research presentations comparing current processes and potential solutions.

Skills

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Innovation Intern

Join a team that’s passionate about building inspiring spaces and pushing the industry forward in smarter, more innovative ways. As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. At Mortenson, we’re grounded in offering meaningful work, real career growth, and a collaborative culture where your ideas and contributions matter.

We’re looking for motivated, adaptable individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working with a diverse range of people. If you’re proactive, curious, and ready to make an impact while growing your career, check out our opportunities!

As an intern, you’ll get hands‑on experience right away, working alongside project teams and partners to keep things moving. You’ll help solve real problems, stay organized, communicate across teams, and make an impact from day one while building the foundation for your career.

Responsibilities

Mortenson is seeking an Innovation Internto work closely with the i4 Innovation Team on a range of exciting opportunities. In this role, you will be key in supporting the advancement of innovative initiatives from concept to full scale application within our business. You will be responsible for the development of preliminary evaluation tools including research presentations, schedules, and estimates for construction process changes, technology development, process automation, and custom tools. Key result areas of your work will include:

• Partnering with internal and external agents to help design, manufacture and test assigned innovative product, process or systems
• Creating detailed research presentations comparing the current process, technology and tools against potential innovative solutions for various assigned topics
• Developing schedules and estimates to iteratively evaluate the investment necessary for implementation
• Partnering with internal customers and external vendors to help create accurate execution plans
• Assisting in quantifying and communicating results
• Openly communicating and celebrating failures as a learning mechanism for the group

Program Overview:

Our summer intern program (May – August 2027) is designed to give you real, hands‑on experience from day one, working on meaningful projects that directly impact the business. You’ll gain exposure to innovative work, build professional skills through development opportunities, and be supported by a team that values your growth. Your ideas matter here, and you’ll have the chance to contribute, learn, and make a difference while exploring your career path.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate, four-year degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design & Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Product Design, Automation & Robotics, Computer Coding & AI, Architecture, Data Analytics Material Science, Software Development or other related degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have previous related internship experience
• Are currently enrolled as an undergraduate junior
• Have a basic understanding of construction and generally accepted business practices
• Have experience (by studies or work experience) in Computer Coding, Construction Materials, Robotics and Automation, Industrial Manufacturing or Data Analytics
• Demonstrate strong collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving skills and show initiative and leadership
• Showcase a positive and professional attitude and solid customer service skills
• Are detail-oriented, organized, and can effectively handle multiple competing priorities

The hourly wage for college Interns starts at $18. Students may be paid higher wages based on their year in school.

Please make note:

• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
• Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

Other Items to Note

• Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.