Intern Lab Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI (NOW HIRING)

Description

Depatie Fluid Power is seeking an Engineering Intern to join our engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for a student looking to gain real-world experience in product development, mechanical design, manufacturing support, and engineering documentation within a collaborative manufacturing environment.

We are not looking for someone who already knows everything about our products-we can teach product knowledge. What we're looking for is someone who is eager to learn, takes initiative, embraces new technology, works hard, and enjoys solving problems.

If you're curious, motivated, and excited to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real engineering projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

What You'll Do

As an Engineering Intern, you will support our engineering team throughout the product development process while gaining hands-on experience in design, testing, manufacturing, and customer support.

You will:

Assist with mechanical product development from concept through production
Interact with customers to better understand application requirements
Help develop and manage engineering requirements
Create and modify 2D and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks
Produce engineering drawings and technical documentation
Participate in mechanical design reviews, analysis, troubleshooting, and design improvements
Build, assemble, and test prototypes and pre-production products
Assist with product testing, verification, and validation activities
Help maintain engineering lab equipment and testing infrastructure
Support manufacturing by designing assembly fixtures and test fixtures
Develop standard work instructions, manufacturing processes, test procedures, and control plans
Provide technical support to production teams when needed
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Operations
Learn industry best practices while contributing to meaningful engineering projects

What You'll Accomplish

Gain valuable hands-on engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
Learn the complete product development lifecycle
Develop SolidWorks CAD and mechanical design skills
Build experience with engineering documentation and testing
Work alongside experienced engineers on real customer projects
Strengthen your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities
Make meaningful contributions that directly impact customer success and company growth

What We're Looking For

Currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering degree program
Strong desire to learn and continuously improve
Self-motivated with excellent initiative and work ethic
Comfortable learning new technology, software, and engineering tools
Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Positive, professional attitude with a customer-focused mindset

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software
Familiarity with engineering drawings and mechanical design principles
Interest in manufacturing, product development, hydraulics, automation, or industrial equipment
Experience with prototype building, machining, or hands-on mechanical projects is a plus

Why Join Depatie Fluid Power?

Gain meaningful, hands-on engineering experience
Work on real-world product development projects
Learn from experienced engineering professionals
Collaborative, team-oriented work environment
Opportunity to develop technical and professional skills
Exposure to manufacturing, design, testing, and customer applications