Mechanical Design Intern

Engineering Intern

US Valve is seeking a motivated, curious Engineering Intern to support the development of product application tools for our check valve product line. This role is designed for a student who wants hands-on experience applying engineering fundamentals to real-world products.

The intern will contribute to a foundational project aimed at developing the data and models required to build a future valve sizing and application tool. This includes evaluating how check valves behave under different operating conditions, such as flow rates, installation orientations, and internal mechanical forces.

This is a part-time, project-based internship focused on learning, exploration, and building practical engineering intuition. The intern will be expected to take ownership of defined work streams, document findings, and present results to the Engineering team and Senior Leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Primary Project Work (Core Focus) - Support the development of engineering models and datasets that describe check valve performance by:

• Developing simplified, first-principles models to understand:
• Effects of gravity and installation orientation on valve behavior
• Relationship between valve position and effective flow area
• Influence of spring force on opening and closing characteristics
• Translating valve geometry into mathematical or simplified analytical models
• Creating visualizations (graphs, curves, spreadsheets) to describe relationships between variables
• Documenting assumptions, limitations, and areas requiring further validation
• Organizing findings into structured datasets to support future development of a valve sizing tool

Supporting Engineering Activities

• Create and edit modeling files, including parts, assemblies, and drawings
• Assist with prototype assembly, testing, or data collection as needed
• Support root cause investigations or product validation efforts
• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and problem-solving discussions
• Provide general project support across Engineering initiatives

Project Outcome & Expectations:

• Deliver one or more structured engineering models or datasets related to valve performance
• Clearly document their approach, assumptions, and findings
• Identify gaps or opportunities for future testing and validation
• Present their work and recommendations to the Engineering team and Senior Leadership

We are less focused on prior experience and more interested in how you think and work.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Curiosity and a desire to understand how mechanical systems work
• Willingness to take ownership of ambiguous problems and break them into manageable pieces
• Ability to apply basic engineering principles (statics, forces, geometry, etc.) to real-world situations
• Comfort asking questions, testing ideas, and refining approaches
• Clear communication of technical concepts, even when solutions are not perfect

This role is ideal for students who want to build real engineering judgment, not just complete assigned tasks.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Current college student, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, who is enrolled and in good standing at a Maryland higher education institution.
• Graduated (within 12 months) from a Maryland higher education institution.
• Maryland resident, with a 2 or 4-year degree, who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces within the last 18 months.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines. Solid Works experience preferred

Education and/or

Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of the job, the employee is required to move around and be still; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift up to 35 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office and shop…