Mechanical Engineering Intern

Full Job Description

The Black Hills Office of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a mechanical engineering intern for the 2025 summer in Rapid City. The successful applicant will be capable of building detailed solid models and communicating status and assumptions clearly with a team of simulation-based-design engineers.

Major Duties:

• Work with the fast-paced finite element modeling team to understand needs and goals of the work
• Read and interpret complex mechanical drawings
• Construct detailed 3D solid models of each part / assembly from mechanical drawings 
• Clearly communicate status and document assumptions

Required Skills

• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent solid modeling software tool
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Ability to communicate highly technical problems on multiple complexity levels

Desired Experience

• Significant progress toward B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

• Some college or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)