Mechanical & HVAC Refrigeration Intern (Summer 2027)
About The Position
The Mechanical / HVAC-Refrigeration Engineering Intern supports research, evaluation, and development of emerging technologies intended to improve the performance, efficiency, sustainability, and reliability of Zurn Elkay’s Drinking Water and Filtration products. The role provides hands-on experience exploring next-generation technologies and helping turn innovative concepts into potential product solutions. The intern works with Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Innovation teams on technology research, product development, component and system evaluation, testing, analysis, and strategic innovation initiatives. The internship focuses on mechanical systems, refrigeration technologies, thermal performance, energy efficiency, and product innovation. Projects may include technology and competitor assessments, feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, prototype development, laboratory testing, analysis of engineering and field-performance data, and preparation of technical reports and presentations. Learning outcomes include completing research or innovation projects, contributing to recommendations and technology roadmaps, participating in prototype or testing activities, and presenting findings to engineering and business leadership.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVAC engineering, refrigeration engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
- Interest in product development, thermal systems, and emerging technologies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Responsibilities
- Research emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends related to refrigeration systems, thermal management, energy efficiency, controls, filtration, water delivery systems, and sustainability.
- Conduct competitive benchmarking and technology assessments to identify product innovation opportunities.
- Evaluate components, technologies, and design concepts for future product applications; support feasibility studies and proof-of-concept development.
- Recommend technologies that could improve product performance, reliability, customer experience, and sustainability.
- Assist engineering teams with developing and testing product concepts and technologies.
- Support prototype builds, product evaluations, and validation activities.
- Participate in laboratory testing related to thermal performance, refrigeration systems, water quality, energy efficiency, and product durability.
- Analyze test results and recommend design improvements.
- Support design reviews and engineering problem-solving activities.
- Identify opportunities to improve product functionality, efficiency, manufacturability, and customer value.
- Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering to evaluate product roadmaps and innovation opportunities.
- Help evaluate customer needs and translate them into technical product requirements.
- Explore incorporating smart technologies, sustainability features, and advanced materials into future products.
- Collect and analyze engineering data, test results, and field-performance information.
- Develop reports, presentations, and technical documentation summarizing project findings and recommendations.
- Support reliability and performance evaluations for new and existing technologies.
- Assist with engineering calculations, simulations, and design validation activities.
- Complete one or more technology research or innovation projects and contribute to a documented roadmap of future technology opportunities.
- Present findings, recommendations, and potential business impact to engineering and business leadership.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
