Lifetime Brands / S’well / Built Brands Summer 2026 | Product Design Externship
S’well is looking for an Engineering Extern for product design to join us in our NYC
headquarters for the summer. This will be a valuable educational opportunity to shadow our
current engineering team and gain hands-on learning experience regarding testing, prototyping,
CAD drawings, and other product and packaging development initiatives.

What you will have:

•  A strong curiosity about the S’well brand and a desire to learn about the consumer
  product industry.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with a focus on
  applying classroom knowledge to real-world product design initiatives.
• Exposure to SolidWorks or other CAD software is beneficial, and an eagerness to
  gain hands-on experience with CAD drawings and prototyping techniques, including
  educational exposure to rapid prototyping equipment.
•  Foundational critical thinking and analytical skills, coupled with a proactive ability to
  take initiative and seek out educational opportunities through shadowing the
  engineering team.
• Excellent interpersonal and active listening skills required for observing and
  participating in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with teams like Marketing,
  Industrial Design, and Packaging.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary to supplement your
  understanding of the Product Development Process in the consumer goods industry.

What you should know about the S’well Externship Program:
● The 2026 Summer Externship runs 10 weeks from May 26th through August 6th.
● Externs must be able to participate Monday through Thursday, 10am to 5pm (1 hour will
be designated for lunch) [28hrs/wk, 10wks].
● S’well’s headquarters is in the Flatiron/Chelsea neighborhood of New York City; all
Externs should have transportation and/or housing in or around the NYC area.
● Seniors, and Graduate Students will have first consideration.
● FLSA Acknowledgment: This is an unpaid, educational Externship program. The
extern understands that they are not entitled to wages for the time spent in the
Externship, the activities are for their primary educational benefit, and there is no
guarantee of employment at the conclusion of the program.
● All Externs must have proper authorization to work in the United States.
What you will get out of the S’well Externship Program:
● The opportunity to study the engineering development of a theoretical S’well or Built
branded product.

● Educational exposure to rapid prototyping equipment (e.g., FDM and SLA type 3D
printers).
● A better understanding of the Product Development Process in the consumer goods
industry to supplement what is taught in the classroom or studios.
● An engineering mentor to provide support during your externship and guidance through
your career.
● The opportunity to observe other departments involved in product development, such as
Marketing, Consumer Insights, Legal, Category Management, Industrial Design,
Packaging, and Creative Development.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND SHADOWING OPPORTUNITIES
Capstone Project: Simulated Product Development Lifecycle To supplement university
coursework, the extern will undertake a guided, mock development project based on a
theoretical Built or S’well branded product. Under the direct supervision of a senior engineering
mentor, the extern will learn to navigate the company's Stage-Gate Process, focusing on:
1. Project Initiation
● Ideation & Market Analysis: Learning how to translate competitive research and
consumer requirements into target engineering features and benefits.
● Concept Refinement: Observing and supporting the collaboration between Mechanical
Engineering and Industrial Design teams during the early phases of concept
development.
2. Advanced CAD Training & Prototyping Laboratory
● Drafting & Modeling: Receiving hands-on instruction in creating and refining 3D and 2D
models using SolidWorks. The focus will be on learning industry standards for tooling
readiness.
● Rapid Prototyping: Learning the mechanics, preparation, and part-slicing processes for
FDM and SLA type 3D printers. The extern will shadow technicians on the maintenance
of lab equipment and practice post-curing and assembling prototypes.
3. Introduction to Validation, Testing & Compliance
● Protocol Development: Learning how professional engineering teams create product
specifications, inspection protocols, and testing criteria.
● Testing Methodologies: Shadowing engineers as they conduct critical product
validation, including thermal retention, surface finish durability, and drop testing.
● Quality Assurance (QA) Overview: Observing the launch readiness phase, including
how senior engineers review Top of Production Samples (TOPS) and evaluate product
inspection reports.
● Intellectual Property: Gaining an introductory understanding of the engineering
requirements for design and utility patent applications.

About Lifetime Brands

Lifetime Brands is a leading global provider of kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. We offer brands you trust, value without compromise and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Our products make it easier for you to prepare food, serve meals, entertain guests, and decorate your home. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, which includes: *All full-time employees (and family members) are eligible to participate in our Medical, Dental, and Vision plans *Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care *Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability *Company Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance *Eligibility in the Company's 401K plan, after 90 days of employment *Paid Time Off (vacation/sick) - accrual of 15 days per calendar year for non-warehouse positions; accrual of 10 days per calendar year for hourly based warehouse positions *10 Company Paid Holidays *Employee Product Discounts *Tuition Assistance *Employee Assistance Program *Volunteer Opportunities- 4 hours of paid optional volunteer time (annually) *Seattle, WA based employees are provided with commute trip reduction incentives *Benefits are offered to employees who work 30 hours or more In addition to the above, we offer voluntary benefits.

Lifetime Brands, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that Lifetime Brands believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job. Lifetime Brands expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would Lifetime Brands consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.