At Powell, we’re committed to enhancing lives by delivering reliable power distribution systems across diverse markets, from industrial to renewables. As a global leader, we prioritize our Core Values—Customer First, Respect for Employees, Continuous Improvement, and a “Can-Do” Attitude—to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that power communities worldwide. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of energy.

Internship Overview

Powell’s 10-week paid internship program offers college students hands-on experience, professional training, and the opportunity to make an impact through a meaningful project aligned with your field of study. As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you’ll focus on standard designs while gaining valuable skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Project Focus

• Intern Project: 
• Create new standard design for stiffeners for all different channels.
  • This will include reviewing current stiffeners, learning issues with the existing designs or issues creating inefficiencies in their use, and developing a unique design to resolve these issues.
  • Design will go through full design process with review and revisions, if required. Parts will be ordered and tested on a variety of channel sizes to allow ease of implementation.
• If time allows, creating line of fire door & computer floor door frames for all expected ceiling heights and moment frames.

• If time allows, begin creating step by step training modules for upper structure.

• Expected Deliverables:
• Fully designed and tested stiffeners for channels to address issues with historical versions.
• If time allows, models/drawings for all fire door & computer floor door frames for all expected ceiling heights and moment frames.

• If time allows, the step by step training modules for upper structure.

• How does this project benefit Powell or your functional area?
• While Ibeam stiffeners use a singular design that is modeled to fit the profile of the Ibeam and can be constrained in such a way that replacing it for different beam sizes is a very fast and easy process, stiffeners for historical channel sizes are made in a variety of planes, with different faces and lacking material information. Remaking them all in the same plane & location will allow us to easily constrain them in such a way to vastly reduce required constraints and constraint breaking.
• Standardized door frames for Powell doors are mostly done and can be automatically dropped in upon selection from a list. Anytime a fire door or a computer floor is shown, new models need to be made, reviewed, and published, adding a not insignificant amount of time.

• Training modules for base design are out of date due to many changes to PCR designs across more recent years, requiring selection of more recent PCR’s for proper training examples and updated texts. In addition, upper structure currently has only in person training, with no proper reading or training modules for new hires to work off of.

• Desired Major: Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-On Experience: Work on real-world engineering challenges with cutting-edge technology.
• Mentorship: Collaborate with and learn from experienced engineers and business leaders.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your technical and interpersonal skills in a team-oriented setting.
• Networking: Engage with industry professionals and participate in fun social events.
• Community Impact: Contribute to Powell’s mission of powering communities globally.

Who We’re Looking For

• We seek motivated, curious, and driven students with the following qualifications:
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution.
• Rising Junior or Senior continuing studies in Fall 2027.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and strong academic standing.
• Team player with strong communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with a dependable, can-do attitude.
• Bonus Skills: Experience with standard design.

Program Benefits

• Competitive pay for a 10-week summer internship.
• Exposure to a collaborative team environment and meaningful projects.
• Opportunities to interact with Powell’s leadership team.
• Fun social events and community involvement activities.

Successful Tips

• Update your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, GPA, and design experience.
• Emphasize your academic background in Mechanical Engineering experience, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Be ready to discuss your technical skills, teamwork experiences, and interest in mechanical design.

Join Powell and make a difference in the world of energy!

Important Notes

Sponsorship: Powell is unable to provide sponsorship for H1-B, F1, or OPT visas at this time.

Join Powell and make a difference in the world of energy!

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications! Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted. Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment. EOE Protected Veterans/Disability If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.