- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Mechanical Engineering Group within Penn State's Office of the Physical Plant (OPP), Design and Engineering Services team is seeking Architectural Engineering students with a mechanical systems focus for internship opportunities during Spring 2027 and Summer 2027.
Design and Engineering Services is a full-service, in-house architectural engineering team that provides architectural, engineering, code compliance, and permitting services for University projects. In addition, our mechanical engineering group provides technical support for the operation and maintenance of facilities across University Park and Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses.
Interns will have opportunities to:
- Create and update drawings using AutoCAD
- Perform basic engineering calculations
- Assist with equipment sizing and selection
- Review and apply building codes and standards
- Participate in design and construction meetings
- Conduct field investigations and building inspections
- Visit active project sites across campus
- Assist with engineering standards development and improvement initiatives
This position is ideal for students early in their careers seeking their first or second internship experience and looking to build a strong foundation in engineering practice.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two reference letters. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2027.
During the fall and spring semesters, interns may work up to 20 hours a week. During the summer, interns are expected to work 40 hours a week. Internship is located at University Park with compensation of $16 per hour for undergraduate and $17 per hour for graduate.
This job may require that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check may be required in addition to standard background checks.
Questions regarding the OPP Intern Program please contact OPP Intern Committee at [email protected]
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
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Skills Required
- Currently enrolled as an Architectural Engineering student with a mechanical systems focus
- Submit a cover letter
- Submit a resume
- Submit two reference letters
- Valid US driver's license
- Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check
- Successful completion of standard employment background checks
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
