Mechanical Engineering Internship (Special Projects)

KPFF Special Projects Division

Since 1996, KPFF's Special Projects Division has been at the forefront of addressing specialized challenges in project development. With over 150 team members in three offices strategically located in Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, and Long Beach, CA, our approach combines dedicated project managers, a skilled technical team, and a commitment to innovation. We offer a comprehensive range of services including civil, structural, and mechanical engineering, machinery design, construction and project management, and planning services.

We specialize in the management and design of heavy civil, structural, industrial, and waterfront infrastructure projects across the United States. Our team thrives on solving unique, multi-disciplinary challenges, collaborating closely with clients such as the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Tacoma, and Seattle, as well as various municipalities and government agencies.

Join us at KPFF Special Projects Division and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in project delivery.

About the Role:

The Special Projects Division of KPFF is growing and looking for an ambitious and initiative-driven Junior or Senior level Mechanical Engineering student for a summer internship in the Seattle Office of our Special Projects Group.  Our mechanical engineering group specializes in heavy machinery and movable structures design, typically associated with large heavy civil, transportation, structural, industrial and waterfront infrastructure projects throughout the US, with a focus on the West Coast and Pacific Northwest. We are an inter-discipline team of mechanical, structural, civil, and construction engineers and project managers.  We frequently function as prime consultants and are tasked with solving unusual, multi-disciplined challenges that require an innovative and team-oriented approach.

The Mechanical Engineering Summer Internship will provide interns with the opportunity to work alongside our engineers on active projects. The position being offered is approximately 40 hours a week for up to 90 days depending on candidate’s availability. Job responsibilities will vary depending on the project and individual intern.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Collaborating daily with your mechanical engineering mentor and providing support on various tasks associated with project design, including research, calculations, Solidworks modeling, drawing production and review, and cost estimating.
• Participate in project site visits. The applicant may be required to navigate through a jobsite and must comply with all Company and Site safety requirements in the office and on the jobsite.  

Who We’re Looking For:

• Ability to work collaboratively with project team members and clients on a variety of projects
• Detail oriented and desire for continued learning
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Clear communication and writing skills
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering including statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics and strength of materials. Specific examples include free-body diagram analysis, shear/moment diagrams, stress analysis and fluid-flow calculations.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks including parts modeling, assembly creation, and drawing production.

Example of Projects:

• Moveable vehicle and pedestrian bridges and other heavy moveable structures
• Moveable bridges and other structures related to ferry terminals
• Container terminal infrastructure design
• Marina design
• Ports, harbors, shipyards and other industrial waterfront projects
• Fluid power design
• Fuel piping systems
• Bulk material handling systems
• Rail Locomotive Maintenance Facility Infrastructure

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are primarily conducted in a standard office setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
• Occasionally may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Occasionally visiting project locations and performing field inspections which may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.

Culture and Benefits:

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges and blossom into a consulting trailblazer. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and common values, ensuring that your accomplishments are celebrated, and your career trajectory is in your hands. At KPFF, we're not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the chance to leave a lasting mark on pioneering projects.

Compensation:

The salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate is $25-$30 per hour.

KPFF

KPFF, a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm, is committed to Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion. With over 60 years of experience, we provide creative solutions for diverse projects, scales, and industries. Our 1,400+ professionals in 30 offices nationwide thrive in a decentralized structure, offering abundant flexibility and numerous opportunities for professional growth. At KPFF, join a legacy of excellence where every team member has the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions and impactful projects.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.