Mechanical Engineering Intern

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern

Company Overview:
Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company committed to producing lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Our operations are built on a circular manufacturing model, encompassing a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products used across critical industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. Beyond steel production, we manage metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

About the Internship:
At Steel Dynamics, our mechanical engineering internships offer a truly unique and comprehensive experience. Unlike typical internships, you won’t be observing from the sidelines; you will actively engage in a balanced blend of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns collaborate directly with operators and maintenance teams on the production floor, applying engineering principles to real-world equipment, systems, and processes. This immersive approach allows you to design and test solutions in live industrial conditions, witnessing the immediate impact of your contributions. By integrating technical analysis, CAD design, and process improvement projects with practical mechanical maintenance, Steel Dynamics provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop both deep engineering expertise and invaluable practical skills highly sought after in the industry.

This internship is specifically located at the Steel Dynamics Flat Roll Group Sinton Division in Sinton, TX, within the Meltshop. The internship is scheduled for Summer 2026.

Key Responsibilities:
As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will play a vital role in our operations, with responsibilities including:

• Providing essential engineering support for daily operations and ongoing projects, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Conducting experiments, meticulously analyzing data, and preparing detailed reports on your findings to inform decision-making.
• Collaborating closely with experienced engineers and operations staff to identify opportunities for process improvement and resolve complex issues.
• Identifying operational trends, recommending strategic improvements, and developing trials based on specific operational needs.
• Engaging directly with mechanical systems and maintenance tasks, working hands-on alongside skilled operators.

Qualifications:
We are seeking enthusiastic and driven individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering.
• A GPA of 2.7 or higher is preferred, demonstrating academic commitment.
• Possessing a strong mechanical aptitude coupled with foundational maintenance knowledge.
• Comfortable performing hands-on work in a dynamic industrial environment.
• Able to communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse team, including operators and fellow engineers.

Impactful Project Examples:
Our interns don’t just complete tasks; they contribute to meaningful projects that enhance our operations. Here are examples of projects Mechanical Engineering Interns have recently completed:

• Analyzing and improving water treatment facility components, including evaluating pumps, piping systems, filtration units, and energy recovery equipment. This involved conducting system diagnostics, efficiency testing, CAD modeling for design upgrades, and assisting in implementing automated monitoring technologies to enhance operational reliability.
• Replacing and redesigning scrap car generators to improve power efficiency, a project that included selecting upgraded components, collaborating with vendors, and overseeing installation to minimize downtime and improve energy use.
• Designing and fabricating simplified slag doors using CAD software and coordinating with external fabricators, alongside developing and installing a custom slag chute to significantly reduce buildup on the melt deck, thereby improving safety and operational flow.
• Installing platform walkways to enhance accessibility and operator safety, performing precise measurements and thermal expansion calculations to ensure long-term structural integrity.
• Building and modifying scrap chutes to eliminate recurring clogging issues, identifying and addressing mechanical causes such as chute lip design, and researching safer lubricants like liquid graphite to replace hydraulic fluid, reducing fire risk.
• Conducting research and development (R&D) on equipment improvements, such as sourcing and testing new wheels for rotary hearth furnaces and evaluating more accessible designs for machinery components.
• Assisting in predictive maintenance initiatives by collecting and analyzing vibration, temperature, and performance data on rotating equipment to identify early signs of wear or failure.
• Supporting process optimization projects by monitoring production equipment, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing mechanical adjustments or redesigns.
• Developing tooling and fixtures for maintenance and production teams to improve repair efficiency, reduce changeover time, and enhance operator ergonomics.
• Collaborating with operations teams to implement mechanical upgrades that improve workplace safety, reduce maintenance downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.

Internship Benefits:
We value our interns and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Furnished Housing Free of Cost: Provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site, including essential furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay.
• 401(k) & Company Match: Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a generous 10-50% company match that vests immediately.
• Employee Discounts: Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and various goods and services through Steel Dynamics’ nationwide partner network.
• Employee Assistance Program: Up to five free visits per issue, per year for counseling, legal advice, financial guidance, and other daily living resources.
• Intern Extravaganza: A two-day event at company headquarters featuring facility tours, networking with company leaders, cultural immersion, and connecting with other interns from across the country.
• Competitive Pay: Competitive hourly wages for all internship positions, recognizing the value and contributions interns bring to the company.

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