Mechanical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

wabashcareers; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabash invites motivated students to join our internship program in Lafayette, Indiana, tackling real product development work for trailers and truck bodies and gaining hands-on engineering experience.

You will collaborate with Product Development engineers on projects including structural performance, fatigue testing, and instrumentation, while participating in cross-functional exposure and leadership activities.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, structural mechanics, and data analysis.
• Experience with CAD software, especially SolidWorks, is preferred.
• Strong communication, initiative, and ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Development activities related to trailers and truck bodies through hands-on engineering, testing, data analysis, and product validation projects.
• The intern will work alongside Product Development engineers on real-world projects involving structural performance, fatigue testing, thermal testing, instrumentation, and product improvement initiatives while gaining exposure to manufacturing, quality, and testing environments.
• Responsibilities will include assisting with test planning and execution, analyzing engineering data, supporting design improvements, developing validation methods, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve customer and product-related challenges.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Data Analysis

Testing

CAD SolidWorks

Education

Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Company Overview:

A proactive innovator helping to move the industry forward, from first to the final mile.

We are a world-class manufacturer of advanced engineered solutions and services for transportation, logistics and distribution industries, with capabilities recognized for innovation, reliability and industry expertise.

Our commitment to our customers, employees, and communities drives everything we do. Our deep understanding of changing demands gives us insight into what to create and how to create them. Our courage to make big innovations puts us in a class of our own in providing breakthrough improvements for our customers' businesses.

About the Internship Program:

As an intern, you'll gain invaluable real-world experience by taking on a meaningful project that has a direct impact on your business. You will have the opportunity to present your work to fellow interns, managers, and our senior leadership team.

Beyond your project work, our internship program will enhance your professional journey through a variety of experiences. You'll attend weekly Lunch and Learns to gain insights from leaders across departments and participate in Insights Discovery to understand and leverage your strengths and working styles. You'll also build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals, and engage in social and volunteer events to expand your network.

Your Responsibilities:

• Support Product Development activities related to trailers and truck bodies through hands-on engineering, testing, data analysis, and product validation projects.
• The intern will work alongside Product Development engineers on real-world projects involving structural performance, fatigue testing, thermal testing, instrumentation, and product improvement initiatives while gaining exposure to manufacturing, quality, and testing environments.
• Responsibilities will include assisting with test planning and execution, analyzing engineering data, supporting design improvements, developing validation methods, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve customer and product-related challenges.

Let's Talk About Your Qualifications:

• Pursuing students pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, structural mechanics, and data analysis.
• Experience with CAD software, especially SolidWorks, is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment are important.
• Candidates should demonstrate problem-solving ability, attention to detail, professionalism, adaptability, and a willingness to learn through hands-on engineering projects and testing activities.

Leadership Attributes:

At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

• Embrace Diversity and Inclusion -- Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness
• Seek to Listen -- Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions
• Always Learn -- Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo
• Be Authentic -- Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do
• Win Together -- Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.