Mechanical Engineering Internship

What Are My Responsibilities as a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?

• 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

What Qualifications Do I Need?

• 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 Steel Dynamics Mechanical Engineering Interns Have Completed

• Analyze and improve water treatment facility components by evaluating pumps, piping systems, filtration units, and energy recovery equipment; conduct system diagnostics, efficiency testing, and CAD modeling for design upgrades; assist in implementing automated monitoring technologies to enhance operational reliability.
• Replace and redesign scrap car generators to improve power efficiency, including selecting upgraded components, working with vendors, and overseeing installation to minimize downtime and improve energy use.
• Design and fabricate simplified slag doors using CAD software and collaborate with external fabricators to produce parts; develop and install a custom slag chute to reduce buildup on the melt deck, improving safety and operational flow.
• Install platform walkways to improve accessibility and operator safety; perform measurements and thermal expansion calculations to ensure structural integrity over time and prevent cracking or misalignment.
• Build and modify scrap chutes to eliminate recurring clogging issues; identify and address mechanical causes such as chute lip design; research and recommend safer lubricants like liquid graphite to replace hydraulic fluid, reducing fire risk and improving environmental safety.
• Conduct research and development (R&D) on equipment improvements, such as sourcing and testing new wheels for rotary hearth furnaces, evaluating more accessible designs for machinery components, and collaborating with maintenance teams for installation and testing.
• Assist in predictive maintenance initiatives by collecting and analyzing vibration, temperature, and performance data on rotating equipment to identify early signs of wear or failure, and recommending corrective actions.
• Support process optimization projects by monitoring production equipment, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing mechanical adjustments or redesigns to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Develop tooling and fixtures for maintenance and production teams to improve repair efficiency, reduce changeover time, and enhance operator ergonomics.
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement mechanical upgrades that improve workplace safety, reduce maintenance downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.