Design Research Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

What Does Steel Dynamics Do?

Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company that produces lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Operating through a circular manufacturing model, the company manufactures a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products for industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. In addition to steel production, Steel Dynamics operates metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

What Makes This Internship Different?
Steel Dynamics’ mechanical engineering internships stand out from those at other companies because they offer a true balance of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns are not limited to observing from a distance, they 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. By combining technical analysis, CAD design, and process improvement projects with practical mechanical maintenance, Steel Dynamics provides interns with a unique opportunity to develop both engineering expertise and practical skills that are highly valued in the industry.

Internship Location

This internship is located at the Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division located in Roanoke, VA, in the Engineering Department. This internship will take place Summer 2027.

Internship Benefits

• 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 during the internship.
• 401(k) & Company Match
  • Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a 10–50% company match that vests immediately.
• Employee Discounts
  • Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and other 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, rewarding the value interns bring to the company.

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.