Summer 2027 - Mechanical Design Engineer Intern

Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Job summary

Kenworth Truck Company, part of PACCAR, is seeking an Engineering Intern to support the development of commercial electric vehicle systems in Kirkland, WA. You will work with multidisciplinary teams across electrical, mechanical, and software engineering to advance system design, integration, and validation.

The internship emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration with managers and senior engineers, and exposure to real-world projects in a global Fortune 500 environment.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Junior or senior standing preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills are expected.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software engineers and other professionals to ensure quality EV designs and system integration.
• Follow project management processes to maintain schedule and functionality.
• Ensure quality and reliability across components and systems.
• Analyze system needs and influence architecture designs.
• Develop engineering specifications for new vehicle control functions, including autonomous features.
• Coordinate with cross-divisional teams on global design direction.
• Support validation activities with suppliers and internal teams.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Job description

Company Information

PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905. PACCAR Inc is recognized as a global leader in the commercial vehicle, financial, and customer service fields with internationally recognized brands such as Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

Kenworth Truck Company:

Kenworth Truck Company, founded in 1923, is the manufacturer of The World’s Best heavy and medium duty trucks. With an excellent heritage of quality, innovation and technology, Kenworth has played an essential role in the development of trucks that are more fuel efficient, productive, and economical to operate. Today, Kenworth is leading transportation innovation with the introduction of battery-electric vehicles, exploration of fuel cell electric powertrains, and autonomous driving systems. Kenworth is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equality and inclusivity in the workplace.

Requisition Summary

Kenworth Division of PACCAR is seeking a motivated Engineering Intern to support the development of commercial electric vehicle systems. The intern will work alongside electrical, mechanical, and software engineers on system design, integration, validation, and quality initiatives while gaining hands‑on experience in a collaborative engineering environment. The ideal candidate is pursuing an engineering degree and has strong problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Internships Include Unique Learning Opportunities Such As

• Learn first‑hand from the industry’s top professionals
• Work directly with Managers and Senior Managers
• Develop mentoring relationships with engineering leaders
• Gain valuable hands‑on experience working on projects
• Expand your professional network

Candidates Will Interview With The Following Departments

• Future EV Development/Zero Emissions
• Chassis
• Cab/Outerbody
• Technical Services
• Engines
• Powertrain

This internship is scheduled to begin May or June 2027.

Job Functions / Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software engineers, and other engineering professionals to ensure quality commercial electric vehicle designs and systems integration
• Follow project management processes to maintain schedule and functionality
• Ensure industry‑leading quality and reliability are met, maintained, and exceeded on all components
• Analyze system needs and requirements to influence system architecture designs
• Develop and document engineering specifications for new vehicle control functions, including autonomous vehicles
• Drive collaborative efforts effectively with cross‑divisional counterparts on global design direction
• Support validation activities across supplier and internal teams to ensure industry‑leading quality and reliability are met, maintained, or exceeded on all components and systems

Skills / Competencies

• Exceptional problem‑solving skills and drive to develop innovative automotive components, driving to develop medium and heavy‑duty commercial vehicle projects
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, lean, collaborative team environment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and planning/tracking skills
• Competency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Able to learn and use new processes and techniques and resourcefully solve complex technical issues
• Commitment to reliability, value, and quality in all aspects of work
• Willingness to grow continuously, both personally and professionally with strong results and goal‑driven orientation

Additional Attributes

• Proficiency in the use of Creo or other CAD modeling software to create 3D models of optimized parts, routings, and assemblies of complex designs.
• Demonstratable ability to analyze hardware and firmware designs[SM1] and ability to make use of engineering processes and techniques to be resourceful in solving complex technical problems
• Active participant in a university-sponsored engineering club (EcoCar, Formula SAE, SARP, Etc.)
• Understanding of complex design and application as it impacts electrical/electronic systems, architecture, and software‑driven functionality

Education

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program pursuing a degree in one of the following disciplines: Mechanical Engineering.

• Junior or senior standing preferred

Intern Benefits

• Competitive salary and 401k with up to a 5% company match
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Sick Leave
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA)
• EAP services: including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling, and more
• Global Fortune 500 company with a wide array of growth, training, and development opportunities
• Work alongside experienced goal‑oriented colleagues recognized as experts in their field

PACCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability.