Software Engineer Trainee Jobs in Valparaiso, IN

Vanair, a Lincoln Electric Company in Michigan City, IN is looking for bright, driven engineering individuals to join our Mechanical Engineering Summer Internship—designed to connect your academic foundation with real-world, hands-on experience. As a participant, you’ll Be the Linc between your education and a future in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and engineering leadership.

• LincPal Program: Get paired with a Lincoln Electric employee to guide your experience. 
• Professional Development: Frequent workshops and leadership exposure. 
• Networking & Culture: Participate in social events, National Intern Day, and community service. 
• Career Pathway: Those eligible may be considered for full-time opportunities.

Vanair’s Mechanical Engineering Internship offers individuals the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings at locations across the U.S. Participants work on meaningful projects in areas such as automation, manufacturing, R&D, and more, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program includes technical training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities like presentations and leadership-led learning sessions. It’s a great way to build skills, grow your network, and explore a future career in engineering.This position requires participation in our Immersion Day at our Cleveland, OH headquarters during one of your first few weeks. Lincoln Electric will provide and cover all travel arrangements and expenses. 

• Evaluate and redesign 330D tooling to improve line efficiency, ergonomics, repeatability, and station throughput. 
• Perform time‑motion studies, benchmark station layouts, and measure cycle‑time improvements. 
• Create CAD updates to tooling and run FEA checks when applicable. 
• Prototype tooling modifications using 3D printing or laser‑cut parts and validate improvements. 
• Support solar testing by setting up solar simulators or outdoor rigs and running controlled test sequences. 
• Instrument devices for voltage, current, and temperature logging and analyze energy‑harvesting performance. 
• Assist with 12V reciprocating compressor testing, including teardown, tolerance measurements, and performance curve characterization. 
• Set up test benches with pressure transducers, tachometers, and thermocouples and conduct NVH baseline measurements. 
• Participate in high‑current jumpstarting software reviews, analyzing protection logic, thermal effects, and current pathways. 
• Create block diagrams, perform failure‑mode analysis, and support bench testing for system safety validation.

• Currently pursuing or having already achieved a bachelor's degree in engineering 
• Eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time, permanent basis without sponsorship

• A Mechanical Engineering degree 
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 
• Interest in working in a manufacturing environment 
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment