Mechanical / Process Engineering Intern – Summer 2027

VAA; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch & Learns

Job summary

VAA is seeking a Mechanical / Process Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to work with our mechanical and process teams on real projects inside industrial facilities.

You will assist with design, calculations, equipment layouts, drawings, and project documentation; gain experience with engineering software; visit jobsites; learn from seasoned professionals; and have opportunities to return for another internship or transition to full-time after graduation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Process, Chemical or a related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply.
• Interest in equipment, processes, industrial facilities and how things work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mechanical and process design, calculations and equipment layouts.
• Help prepare drawings, plans and project documentation.
• Gain experience with engineering software and design tools.
• Learn about equipment, piping, material handling and process systems.
• Collaborate with structural, electrical, general arrangement and other VAA disciplines.
• Participate in project meetings and get out of the office for site visits.

Skills

Mechanical design

Process design

Equipment layouts

Engineering software

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Process/Chemical or related engineering

Tools

CAD software

AutoCAD

Job description

Mechanical / Process Engineering Intern – Summer 2027

Mechanical / Process Engineering Intern – Summer 2027

Ready to Build Something Real?

Take what you're learning in the classroom and put it to work at VAA. As a Mechanical / Process Engineering Intern, you won't spend your summer on the sidelines. You'll work alongside experienced engineers, contribute to real projects and see how equipment and systems come together in facilities that feed, fuel and power our world.

Come curious. Ask questions. Try new things. Let's get growing.

Your Role

Curious about how materials move, equipment works and processes come together inside a facility? You'll work with VAA's Mechanical and Process teams to help develop practical solutions for complex industrial projects - and see how engineering concepts become working systems.

You’ll have opportunities to:

• Assist with mechanical and process design, calculations and equipment layouts
• Help prepare drawings, plans and project documentation
• Gain experience with engineering software and design tools
• Learn about equipment, piping, material handling and process systems
• Collaborate with structural, electrical, general arrangement and other VAA disciplines
• Participate in project meetings and get out of the office for site visits

Here's What Your Summer Could Look Like

• Do real work. Apply what you're learning in school to actual projects.
• Find your people. Connect with fellow interns and employees across VAA.
• Learn from the pros. Get guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Explore engineering. See how different disciplines work together.
• Get out there. Visit jobsites and see projects come to life.
• Build your skills. Join Lunch & Learns on communication, presentation skills, personal branding and more.
• Think beyond summer. Explore opportunities to return for another internship or start your full-time career with VAA after graduation.

What You Bring

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Process, Chemical or a related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university
• Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply
• Interest in equipment, processes, industrial facilities and how things work
• Curiosity, a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and learn

Hourly Range: $21.00–$23.00

Get to Know VAA

VAA is an Engineering, Planning and Design firm specializing in commercial projects, bulk commodity-handling facilities, and structures for value-added processing, manufacturing and distribution. For nearly 50 years, our multidisciplinary teams have worked together to solve complex challenges for clients across the country.

Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the range of opportunities you can find and the wealth of resources that will support you - both professionally and personally:

Your career. Your talents. Your network.

VAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Vets/Disability employer