Panel Design Intern

DREXEL BUILDING SUPPLY INC • Amherst, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Panel Design Intern transforms blueprints, scopes of work, and architectural plans into precise wall and floor panel designs for off-site manufacturing. The role involves producing component designs and panel placement layouts, modeling structural components, and supporting builders and field teams with technical questions and plan changes. The intern works with production facilities, jobsite teams, and other design departments to help ensure buildable wall and floor systems are manufactured accurately and on time. The internship is in person at the Amherst, Wisconsin production facility, runs 40 hours per week from Monday through Friday, and is scheduled from May through August 2026. The first day, Supply Happiness University, takes place at Drexel Building Supply in Campbellsport; interns must arrange their own transportation for that day.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology/Drafting, Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, Building Construction, or a related field.
• Strong computer and software skills.
• Strong numerical problem-solving and mathematical skills.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn MiTek and iStruct design platforms.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and curious.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong desire to learn off-site construction methods, prefabricated wall and floor framing, blueprint reading, and structural load distribution.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret architectural blueprints, site plans, and scopes of work.
• Design individual components and final placement layouts for prefabricated wall and floor panel systems.
• Use industry design software, including learning MiTek and iStruct, to model structural components.
• Provide structural and engineering support to builders and field teams in response to technical questions or plan modifications.
• Visit off-site construction jobsites to observe panel installation and gain field insight.
• Collaborate with truss, residential, and panel design departments to understand how framing systems work together.
• Communicate with internal design departments, production sawyers and assemblers, and field personnel to support off-site execution.

Benefits

• Team Member-owned ESOP culture and hands-on exposure to employee ownership.
• Hands-on professional experience with off-site framing experts and manufacturing automation on real-world projects.
• Fun and supportive team environment.
• Drexel covers 50% of apparel items ordered through its team clothing site.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed