R&D Mechanical Engineering Intern

Powell Industries • Houston, TX

6h

About The Position

Powell’s 10-week paid internship program offers college students hands-on experience, professional training, and the opportunity to make an impact through a meaningful project aligned with your field of study. As a Research and Development Engineering Intern, you’ll focus on designing and optimizing indicators for high-speed mechanisms, gaining valuable skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Internship Overview Intern Project: Artificially induced airflow to increase cooling effect Expected Deliverables: Simulation results demonstrating supplementary airflow and therefore cooling achieved through statically induced chimney airflow Physical model of concept Test results from physical model demonstrating benefit or otherwise of concept. How does this project benefit Powell or your functional area? The enemy of switchgear is heat, yet through it’s operation energy is dissipated as heat. The desire to offer ever more compact switchgear requires that switchgear be increasingly efficient at dissipating the heat generated in operation. The proposed system will evaluate a mechanism for introducing forced cooling levels of airflow with the consequence of moving parts. Desired Major: Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on modelling thermal systems. What You’ll Gain Hands-On Experience: Work on real-world engineering challenges with cutting-edge technology. Mentorship: Collaborate with and learn from experienced engineers and business leaders. Professional Growth: Enhance your technical and interpersonal skills in a team-oriented setting. Networking: Engage with industry professionals and participate in fun social events. Community Impact: Contribute to Powell’s mission of powering communities globally. Who We’re Looking For We seek motivated, curious, and driven students with the following qualifications: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Power Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution. Rising Junior or Senior continuing studies in Fall 2027. Minimum 3.0 GPA and strong academic standing. Team player with strong communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills. Self-starter with a dependable, can-do attitude. Bonus Skills: Experience with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Program Benefits Competitive pay for a 10-week summer internship. Exposure to a collaborative team environment and meaningful projects. Opportunities to interact with Powell’s leadership team. Fun social events and community involvement activities. Successful Tips Update your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, GPA, and any CAD/FEA experience. Emphasize your academic background in Mechanical or Power Engineering, any CAD or FEA experience, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Highlight projects or coursework related to design, prototyping, or testing, even if not directly tied to high-speed mechanisms. Be ready to discuss your technical skills, teamwork experiences, and interest in power distribution systems or mechanical design. Join Powell and make a difference in the world of energy! Important Notes Sponsorship: Powell is unable to provide sponsorship for H1-B, F1, or OPT visas at this time. Join Powell and make a difference in the world of energy!

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Power Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Rising Junior or Senior continuing studies in Fall 2027.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and strong academic standing.
• Team player with strong communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with a dependable, can-do attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Responsibilities

• Designing and optimizing indicators for high-speed mechanisms
• Simulation results demonstrating supplementary airflow and therefore cooling achieved through statically induced chimney airflow
• Physical model of concept
• Test results from physical model demonstrating benefit or otherwise of concept

Benefits

• Competitive pay for a 10-week summer internship.
• Exposure to a collaborative team environment and meaningful projects.
• Opportunities to interact with Powell’s leadership team.
• Fun social events and community involvement activities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern