Physical Plant Engineering Internship

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 22,041 - 23,419; Part time

Job summary

A major educational institution located in State College, PA, is offering engineering internships for Spring and Summer 2026. Interns will gain hands-on experience in various fields, including project management, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Responsibilities include assisting with project coordination, drafting, and on-site evaluations. Candidates must be pursuing relevant engineering degrees. Positions offer hourly compensation of $16-$17. Apply before January 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience working with engineers and project managers.
• Must be pursuing relevant engineering degree.
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters, 40 hours in summer.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating project resources and documentation.
• Participate in construction site visits and design meetings.
• Draft documents and perform calculations for engineering tasks.

Skills

Project coordination

AutoCAD

Electrical troubleshooting

HVAC evaluation

Education

Pursuing degree in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, architectural)

Tools

PMIS

E-Builder

AutoCAD Civil3D

Job description

Application Instructions

Current Penn State Employee: Please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process.

Current Penn State Student: Please log in to Workday to complete the student application process.

External Applicants: Click “Apply” and complete the application process.

Remote Work

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.

Position Specifics

Office of the Physical Plant Design and Construction offers engineering internship opportunities for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 in facilities project management, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering. These internships provide hands‑on experience working alongside engineers, project managers, and staff responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the University’s physical spaces.

Cover letters should indicate the specific area of interest. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2026.

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

Some internships require operating a motor vehicle. A valid U.S. driver’s license and successful completion of a motor‑vehicle records check may be required. Some internships may require U.S. citizenship.

Questions: Contact OPP Intern Committee at [e-mail]

Engineering Positions Available

Facilities Project Management

The Project Management department oversees and coordinates the design and construction of all new construction, renovation, and major maintenance projects for the University Park Campus. Interns will assist with coordinating project resources, documentation, tracking budgets, and supporting office and in‑field activities, including updating project schedules, participating in construction site visits, design meetings, and helping with procurement. This internship offers exposure to project coordination, construction administration, budgeting, Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and collaboration with customers, architects, engineers, and contractors. Students pursuing degrees in architectural engineering, construction management, or engineering are encouraged to apply.

Electrical Engineering – Design & Engineering Services

The Design & Engineering Services Electrical Engineering Group supports the campus’s existing building electrical systems and campus electrical utility networks. Intern duties include: preparing documents, updates and revisions to the University Design and Construction Standards; assisting troubleshooting electrical systems; reviewing NEC/IEEE codes; drafting in AutoCAD; performing calculations; assisting with on‑site building evaluations. This internship offers exposure to building power, lighting, and emergency backup power systems. Interns may also have exposure to power distribution, utility underground distribution, micro‑grids, combined heat and power plants, and natural gas/diesel power generation.

Students pursuing electrical, electro‑mechanical, architectural engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Civil Engineering – Design & Engineering Services

The Design & Engineering Services Civil Engineering Group encompasses all stages of design from initial feasibility studies through concept development, bid document stages, and construction support. Projects focus on campus beautification, roadway, parking, sidewalk, landscape/hardscape, stormwater management, and utility projects across University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses. This internship offers exposure to AutoCAD Civil3d for preparation of construction drawings and details. Interns will also develop and prepare engineering proposals, attend job conferences and project‑related meetings, document and distribute meeting minutes, and provide support using the PMIS system, E‑Builder, for construction administration tasks.

Mechanical Engineering – Design & Engineering Services

The Design & Engineering Services Mechanical Engineering Group provides mechanical engineering design services for construction projects and facility support across PSU campuses. Intern duties include assisting with HVAC, plumbing, and control system evaluations; updating mechanical design standards; performing heating and cooling load calculations; drafting in AutoCAD; supporting construction and renovation projects. This internship offers exposure to mechanical design, building energy analysis, and system performance evaluations. Interns may also gain experience with building automation, energy conservation strategies, and construction administration tasks.

Students pursuing mechanical, architectural engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.