Physical Plant Engineering Internship

Position Specifics

Penn State’s Office of the Physical Plant Design and Construction is offering engineering internship opportunities for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 in facilities project management, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering. Interns will work alongside engineers, project managers, and staff responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the University’s physical spaces.

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 students and $17 per hour for graduate students.

This role may require operating a motor vehicle as part of job duties. A valid U.S. 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 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 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 include preparing documents, updates and revisions to the University Design and Construction Standards, assisting with 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 gain 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 preparing construction drawings and details. Interns will also develop and prepare engineering proposals (Word), attend job conferences and other project‑related meetings, and document and distribute meeting minutes.

Additionally, interns will provide support using our PMIS system, E‑Builder, for construction administration tasks, including preparing bulletins, responding to RFIs, 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…