Mechanical Engineering Intern

Life Fitness; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength seeks a Mechanical Engineering Intern for a 12‑week hybrid program in the Chicagoland area. You will work on cross‑functional projects, develop 3D CAD models with SolidWorks, and perform FEA and design calculations under mentor guidance.

Strong communication and problem‑solving skills are essential as you support product development and validation efforts. You will gain exposure to manufacturing, quality, and product management while collaborating with engineers

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a full‑time Bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation date in 2028 or 2029.
• Strong academic standing preferred, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Experience with SolidWorks, CAD software, engineering coursework, or related technical projects is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on a 12‑week cross‑functional case study project and present recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Follow Mechanical Engineering procedures and design guidelines to complete engineering projects.
• Utilize SolidWorks to develop and modify 3D CAD models and drawings for metal and plastic components.
• Perform engineering analyses including FEA, design calculations, and tolerance stack‑up analyses.
• Support product development activities through design, evaluation, testing, and validation efforts.
• Assist with prototype development, documentation, and product improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support engineering, manufacturing, quality, and product management objectives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Join us as we empower the world to work out, creating healthier lives together.

About the Opportunity: About the Role

The Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Internship Program 2027 is designed to provide meaningful, hands‑on experience that supports both professional development and business impact.

Successful interns will work on challenging projects aligned with their academic background, receive ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals, and gain exposure to the engineering processes behind world‑class fitness products.

Throughout the internship, you will contribute to projects that help enhance product performance, functionality, quality, and user experience.

• Collaborate with fellow interns on a 12‑week cross‑functional case study project and present recommendations to senior leaders, stakeholders, and managers.
• Follow Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Mechanical Engineering procedures and design guidelines to complete assigned engineering projects and tasks.
• Utilize SolidWorks to develop and modify 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings for metal and plastic components.
• Perform engineering analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), design calculations, and tolerance stack‑up analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Support product development activities through design, evaluation, testing, and validation efforts.
• Actively contribute to a business‑critical engineering project with measurable impact on product development or operational objectives.
• Assist with prototype development, documentation, and product improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support engineering, manufacturing, quality, and product management objectives.
• Perform day‑to‑day responsibilities within the Mechanical Engineering organization while gaining exposure to product development best practices.
• Attend team meetings, project reviews, and engineering discussions to share updates and gain broader business understanding.

What Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is looking for in our Mechanical Engineering Intern:

• Must reside in the Chicagoland area and be available to participate in the hybrid internship program.
• Currently enrolled in a full‑time bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation date in 2028 or 2029.
• Strong academic standing preferred, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Demonstrated initiative, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SolidWorks, CAD software, engineering coursework, or related technical projects is preferred.

At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we believe in taking care of our team with a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive pay and a range of valuable benefits.

The base wage range for this position, intended for U.S. applicants, is $24.00 - $27.00 per hour and includes eligibility for overtime. The actual base pay will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities. The range reflected is based on a primary work location of Rosemont, IL and the actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength provides a valuable and enriching experience for interns. Depending on the length and timing of their internship, interns may qualify for paid holidays during their assignment. They are also eligible for paid sick leave as outlined by state and local laws. Eligibility for all benefits is determined by the applicable plan documents and company policies.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment, recruitment and hiring.

All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength has been inspiring the world to work out for more than 55 years. Every day, exercisers in more than 150 countries log in 1+ million workouts on the company’s connected fitness equipment – proving daily that Life Fitness/Hammer Strength is the world’s workout partner of choice.

By seamlessly bringing innovative, high‑performance and reliable equipment, wherever and whenever they work out, Life Fitness/Hammer Strength aims to inspire healthier lives.

Headquartered outside of Chicago, in Rosemont, Illinois, the company manufactures and sells strength and cardiovascular equipment through its iconic Life Fitness and Hammer Strength brands.

Life Fitness is synonymous with innovation and quality in the cardio and strength training arena.

The company’s cutting‑edge equipment is designed to inspire and motivate, helping exercisers achieve their fitness goals with ease and efficiency.

Hammer Strength stands as a testament to raw power and durability.

Renowned for its line of plate‑loaded equipment, we dominate the strength training category with machines that are built to withstand the most intense workouts, trusted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

By integrating the best of both brands, the company provides comprehensive workout solutions for commercial and consumer customers.

For more information, visit www.lifefitness.com.

Our values drive how we work, grow, and win—together:

We think customer first: We’re proactive, adaptable, and always improving the customer experience.

We play as one team: We care, collaborate, and pick each other up—we win and lose together.

We raise the bar on fitness innovation: We lead, not follow—pushing fitness further every day.

We persevere and get it done: We out‑work, out‑match, and never compromise on quality or performance.

We inspire each other to live healthier lives: We support well‑being, inside and outside of work, to build a healthier world—together.