Mechanical Engineering Internship

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Mechanical Engineering Group within the OPP, Design and Engineering Services, seeks Architectural Engineering students with a mechanical systems focus for Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 internships at University Park. Interns will gain hands-on experience across campus projects, with tasks including AutoCAD drawings and equipment sizing.

Applicants should prepare a cover letter, resume, and two references; applications close January 31, 2027.

Qualifications

• Open to Architectural Engineering students with a mechanical systems focus.
• Must submit cover letter, resume, and two reference letters; application deadline January 31, 2027.
• Fall and spring semesters allow up to 20 hours/week; summer requires 40 hours/week.
• Internship is located at University Park with compensation of $16 per hour for undergraduates and $17 per hour for graduates.
• Possibility of operating a motor vehicle; valid US driver's license and background checks may be required.

Responsibilities

• Create and update drawings using AutoCAD.
• Perform basic engineering calculations.
• Assist with equipment sizing and selection.
• Review and apply building codes and standards.
• Participate in design and construction meetings.
• Conduct field investigations and building inspections.
• Visit active project sites across campus.
• Assist with engineering standards development and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Engineering calculations

Code compliance review

Field investigations

Building inspections

Meetings participation

Education

Mechanical Engineering student

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

The Mechanical Engineering Group within Penn State’s Office of the Physical Plant (OPP), Design and Engineering Services team is seeking Architectural Engineering students with a mechanical systems focus for internship opportunities during Spring 2027 and Summer 2027.

Design and Engineering Services is a full-service, in-house architectural engineering team that provides architectural, engineering, code compliance, and permitting services for University projects. In addition, our mechanical engineering group provides technical support for the operation and maintenance of facilities across University Park and Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses.

Interns will have opportunities to:

• Create and update drawings using AutoCAD
• Perform basic engineering calculations
• Assist with equipment sizing and selection
• Review and apply building codes and standards
• Participate in design and construction meetings
• Conduct field investigations and building inspections
• Visit active project sites across campus
• Assist with engineering standards development and improvement initiatives

This position is ideal for students early in their careers seeking their first or second internship experience and looking to build a strong foundation in engineering practice.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two reference letters. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2027.

During the fall and spring semesters, interns may work up to 20 hours a week. During the summer, interns are expected to work 40 hours a week. Internship is located at University Park with compensation of $16 per hour for undergraduate and $17 per hour for graduate.

This job may require that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check may be required in addition to standard background checks.

Questions regarding the OPP Intern Program please contact OPP Intern Committee at [e-mail]

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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