Physical Plant Engineering Internship

Engineering Internship Opportunities

Penn State's Office of the Physical Plant Design and Construction is excited to offer 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.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two reference letters. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2026. Cover letters should indicate the specific area of interest.

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. Internships are available 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. Some internships in this program may require US 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 both 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 work duties will include but are not limited to: 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, and assisting with on-site building evaluations. This internship offers exposure to building power, lighting, and emergency backup power systems.

Interns may also have some exposure or learning opportunities related 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.

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 primarily 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 to prepare construction drawings and details and other CAD related drawings.

Interns will also be responsible for developing and preparing engineering proposals (Word), attending job conferences and other project-related meetings, and documenting and distributing meeting minutes. Additionally, interns will provide support using our PMIS system, E-Builder, for construction administration tasks, including preparing bulletins, responding to RFI's, and reviewing submittals.

The Design & Engineering Services Mechanical Engineering Group provides mechanical engineering design services for construction projects and facility support across PSU campuses. Intern duties may include assisting with HVAC, plumbing, and control system evaluations, updating mechanical design standards, performing heating and cooling load calculations, drafting in AutoCAD, and supporting construction and renovation projects. This internship offers exposure to mechanical design, building energy analysis, and system performance evaluations.

Interns may also gain experience with building automation, energy conservation strategies, and construction administration tasks. Students pursuing mechanical, architectural engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply.