Physical Plant Engineering Internship

Application Instructions

Current Penn State Employee: Please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process.

Current Penn State Student: Please log in to Workday to complete the student application process.

External Applicants: Click “Apply” and complete the application process.

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.

Office of the Physical Plant Design and Construction offers engineering internship opportunities for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 in facilities project management, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering. These internships provide hands‑on experience working alongside engineers, project managers, and staff responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the University’s physical spaces.

Cover letters should indicate the specific area of interest. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2026.

Interns may work up to 20 hours a week during fall and spring semesters. During the summer, interns are expected to work 40 hours a week. Internships are available at University Park with compensation of $16 per hour for undergraduate and $17 per hour for graduate.

Some internships require operating a motor vehicle. A valid U.S. driver’s license and successful completion of a motor‑vehicle records check may be required. Some internships may require U.S. citizenship.

Questions:
Contact OPP Intern Committee at OPPIntern Committee

The Project Management department oversees and coordinates the design and construction of all new construction, renovation, and major maintenance projects for the University Park Campus. Interns will assist with coordinating project resources, documentation, tracking budgets, and supporting office and in‑field activities, including updating project schedules, participating in construction site visits, design meetings, and helping with procurement. This internship offers exposure to project coordination, construction administration, budgeting, Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and collaboration with customers, architects, engineers, and contractors.

Students pursuing degrees in architectural engineering, construction management, or engineering are encouraged to apply.

The Design & Engineering Services Electrical Engineering Group supports the campus’s existing building electrical systems and campus electrical utility networks. Intern duties include: preparing documents, updates and revisions to the University Design and Construction Standards; assisting troubleshooting electrical systems; reviewing NEC/IEEE codes; drafting in AutoCAD; performing calculations; assisting with on‑site building evaluations. This internship offers exposure to building power, lighting, and emergency backup power systems.

Interns may also have exposure to power distribution, utility underground distribution, micro‑grids, combined heat and power plants, and natural gas/diesel power generation.

Students pursuing electrical, electro‑mechanical, architectural engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

The Design & Engineering Services Civil Engineering Group encompasses all stages of design from initial feasibility studies through concept development, bid document stages, and construction support. Projects focus on campus beautification, roadway, parking, sidewalk, landscape/hardscape, stormwater management, and utility projects across University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses. This internship offers exposure to AutoCAD Civil3d for preparation of construction drawings and details.

Interns will also develop and prepare engineering proposals, attend job conferences and project‑related meetings, document and distribute meeting minutes, and provide support using the PMIS system, E‑Builder, for construction administration tasks.

The Design & Engineering Services…