Mechanical & HVAC Refrigeration Intern (Summer 2027)
About The Position
The Mechanical / HVAC-Refrigeration Engineering Intern will support research, evaluation, and development of emerging technologies to enhance the performance, efficiency, sustainability, and reliability of Zurn Elkay's Drinking Water and Filtration products. The internship provides hands-on experience exploring next-generation technologies and helping turn innovative concepts into future product solutions. Working with Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Innovation teams, the intern will conduct technology research; support product development projects; evaluate components and systems; perform testing and analysis; and contribute to strategic innovation initiatives. The role is suited to a student interested in mechanical systems, refrigeration technologies, thermal performance, energy efficiency, and product innovation. The internship includes opportunities to complete technology research or innovation projects, benchmark emerging technologies and competing products, recommend future product or system enhancements, participate in prototype development and testing, present findings to engineering and business leadership, and document opportunities for future technology development.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, HVAC engineering, refrigeration engineering, manufacturing engineering, or another 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 opportunities for product innovation.
- 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 in developing and testing new 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 future product roadmaps and innovation opportunities.
- Help evaluate customer needs and translate them into technical product requirements.
- Explore opportunities to incorporate 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
