Mechanical Engineering Internship

About the Role

Steel Dynamics' Mechanical Engineering internships offer a balance of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns will actively work alongside operators and maintenance teams on the production floor, applying engineering principles directly to equipment, systems, and processes. This approach allows interns to design solutions, test them in real-world conditions, and see the immediate impact of their work. The internship combines technical analysis, CAD design, and process improvement projects with practical mechanical maintenance.

Location

This internship is located at the Steel Dynamics [Insert Name] Division in [Insert City], in the [Insert Department] Department, during [insert time frame].

Internship Benefits

• Furnished Housing Free of Cost (provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site)
• 401(k) & Company Match (eligibility to participate with a 10-50% company match that vests immediately)
• Employee Discounts (on hotels, vehicles, and other goods/services)
• Employee Assistance Program (up to five free visits per issue, per year)
• Intern Extravaganza (a two-day event at company headquarters for networking and facility tours)
• Competitive Pay (hourly wages)

Key Responsibilities

• Support operations and projects using engineering principles in both office and industrial settings.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports on findings.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations staff to improve processes and resolve issues.
• Identify trends, recommend improvements, and develop trials based on operational needs.
• Work hands-on with mechanical systems and maintenance tasks alongside operators.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a degree program in Mechanical Engineering.
• GPA of 2.7 or higher (preferred).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with maintenance knowledge.
• Comfortable performing hands-on work in an industrial environment.
• Able to communicate and collaborate effectively with operators.

Examples of Projects Completed by Interns

• Analyzing and improving water treatment facility components (pumps, piping, filtration, energy recovery), including system diagnostics, efficiency testing, and CAD modeling.
• Replacing and redesigning scrap car generators to improve power efficiency.
• Designing and fabricating simplified slag doors and developing/installing custom slag chutes.
• Installing platform walkways, performing measurements, and conducting thermal expansion calculations.
• Building and modifying scrap chutes to eliminate clogging issues and researching safer lubricants.
• Conducting research and development (R&D) on equipment improvements, such as sourcing and testing new wheels for rotary hearth furnaces and evaluating accessible machinery component designs.
• Assisting in predictive maintenance initiatives by collecting and analyzing data on rotating equipment.
• Supporting process optimization projects by monitoring production equipment and implementing mechanical adjustments.
• Developing tooling and fixtures for maintenance and production teams.
• Collaborating with operations teams to implement mechanical upgrades for safety, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan.