Mechanical Engineering Internship

Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company that produces lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Operating through a circular manufacturing model, the company manufactures a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products for industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. In addition to steel production, Steel Dynamics operates metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Aluminum Dynamics is developing a state-of-the-art, 650,000-tonne low-carbon recycled aluminum flat rolled mill, supported by two satellite recycled aluminum slab centers. The facility will produce a wide range of flat rolled aluminum products while prioritizing sustainability through advanced recycling practices. Our product offering includes value-added finishing lines such as Continuous Annealing and Solution Heat treatment (CASH) lines, continuous coating, and multiple slitting and packaging operations. This combination of cutting-edge technology and sustainable processes positions Aluminum Dynamics as a leader in delivering high-quality, low-carbon aluminum solutions to meet the growing demands of diverse industries.

This internship is located at the Aluminum Dynamics facility located in Columbus, MS, in the Melt / Cast Department. This internship will take place during Summer 2027.

• →Support operations and projects using engineering principles in both office and industrial settings
• →Conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports on findings
• →Collaborate with engineers and operations staff to improve processes and resolve issues
• →Identify trends, recommend improvements, and develop trials based on operational needs
• →Work hands-on with mechanical systems and maintenance tasks alongside operators

• Enrolled in a degree program in Mechanical Engineering

• GPA of 2.7 or higher preferred

• Strong mechanical aptitude with maintenance knowledge

• Comfortable performing hands-on work in an industrial environment

• Able to communicate and collaborate effectively with operators

• Analyze and improve water treatment facility components by evaluating pumps, piping systems, filtration units, and energy recovery equipment; conduct system diagnostics, efficiency testing, and CAD modeling for design upgrades; assist in implementing automated monitoring technologies to enhance operational reliability.
• Replace and redesign scrap car generators to improve power efficiency, including selecting upgraded components, working with vendors, and overseeing installation to minimize downtime and improve energy use.
• Design and fabricate simplified slag doors using CAD software and collaborate with external fabricators to produce parts; develop and install a custom slag chute to reduce buildup on the melt deck, improving safety and operational flow.
• Install platform walkways to improve accessibility and operator safety; perform measurements and thermal expansion calculations to ensure structural integrity over time and prevent cracking or misalignment.
• Build and modify scrap chutes to eliminate recurring clogging issues; identify and address mechanical causes such as chute lip design; research and recommend safer lubricants like liquid graphite to replace hydraulic fluid, reducing fire risk and improving environmental safety.
• Conduct research and development (R&D) on equipment improvements, such as sourcing and testing new wheels for rotary hearth furnaces, evaluating more accessible designs for machinery components, and collaborating with maintenance teams for installation and testing.
• Assist in predictive maintenance initiatives by collecting and analyzing vibration, temperature, and performance data on rotating equipment to identify early signs of wear or failure, and recommending corrective actions.
• Support process optimization projects by monitoring production equipment, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing mechanical adjustments or redesigns to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Develop tooling and fixtures for maintenance and production teams to improve repair efficiency, reduce changeover time, and enhance operator ergonomics.
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement mechanical upgrades that improve workplace safety, reduce maintenance downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.