Mechanical Designer Intern - Commercial

KFI Engineers; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

KFI Engineers, headquartered in St. Paul, MN, offers an internship for Mechanical Designer Intern in Summer Term 2027 within CIA department. You will work on 2D/3D design tasks, gain exposure to multiple project types, and learn drafting processes under mentorship.

Responsibilities include CAD cleanup, 3D modeling, and drafting while collaborating with experienced designers. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this internship.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a two-year drafting degree/AAS or similar.
• Proficient with MS Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and with others; adaptable to changing priorities.
• Willingness to travel if needed.

Responsibilities

• Clean-up 2D drawing markups in AutoCAD.
• Model 3D structural, piping, electrical, and equipment elements.
• Draft hand sketches into CAD drawings.
• Collaborate with other designers on drafting and project details.
• Provide office/project support (plotting, scanning, document prep).
• Develop schedules to manage workload across activities to meet deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Office

Verbal & written communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Independent & collaborative

Engineering ethics

Willingness to travel

Education

Two-year drafting degree / AAS

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Position: Mechanical Designer Intern

Department: Commercial, Institutional & Architects (CIA)

Start Date: Summer Term 2027

COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At KFI, we see Interns as a valuable investment in our future. Our Intern program offers you the opportunity to learn our business, gain exposure to various projects and industry sectors, and enhance your design skills.

Intern Program Benefits

• Hands-on, real-world experience in the consulting engineering industry
• Work with impactful projects
• Learning opportunities through mentorship
• Network with leading experts in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Clean-up 2D drawing markups in AutoCAD.
• Model 3D structural, piping, electrical, and equipment elements used in design.
• Draft hand sketches into CAD drawings.
• Engage with other designers to learn drafting and project-related details and ask questions.
• Provide office/project support (plotting, scanning, document preparation).
• Develop schedule to manage workload across assigned activities to achieve deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Pursuing a two-year drafting degree/AAS degree or similar area of study.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer technology, including MS Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Effective time management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and workload demands.
• Consistently demonstrate professional engineering ethics and adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Ability and willingness to travel if needed.

Preferred

• Working knowledge of engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Interest in building systems, construction environments, and/or commercial HVAC.
• Comfortable working in both office and construction site settings.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally, some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapt communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Compensation: $23.00 per hour. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications, experience, work location, and education. This position will earn ESST (Earned Sick and Safe Time) in accordance with state and local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

KFI Engineers is an EOE including veterans and disability.