Process Engineering Internship
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Butler, IN, 46721
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Division
Steel DynamicsOverview
What Does Steel Dynamics Do?
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.
What Makes This Internship Different?
Steel Dynamics’ engineering internships stand out from those at other companies because they offer a true balance of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns are not limited to observing from a distance, they actively work alongside operators and maintenance teams on the production floor, applying engineering principles directly to equipment, systems, and processes. This approach allows interns to design solutions, test them in real-world conditions, and see the immediate impact of their work.
Internship Location
This internship is located at the Steel Dynamics Butler Flat Roll Division located in Butler IN, in the Cold Mill Paint Department. This internship will take place Summer 2026.
Internship Benefits
- Furnished Housing Free of Cost
- Provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site, including essential furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay during the internship.
- 401(k) & Company Match
- Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a 10–50% company match that vests immediately.
- Employee Discounts
- Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and other goods and services through Steel Dynamics’ nationwide partner network.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Up to five free visits per issue, per year for counseling, legal advice, financial guidance, and other daily living resources.
- Intern Extravaganza
- A two-day event at company headquarters featuring facility tours, networking with company leaders, cultural immersion, and connecting with other interns from across the country.
- Competitive Pay
- Competitive hourly wages for all internship positions, rewarding the value interns bring to the company.
Responsibilities
What Are My Responsibilities as a Process Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?
Lead and support process improvement projects on the production line.
Participate in customer visits to discuss claims, applications, and expectations.
Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations.
Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving activities.
Support daily production operations and related activities.
Contribute to internal and external audit processes.
Participate in safety projects and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Apply engineering principles to support the execution of engineering duties.
Conduct and analyze mill and production experiments.
Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations.
Assist engineers with ongoing projects and technical initiatives.
Operate and utilize laboratory equipment for process and materials analysis.
Perform data analysis and present trends to operations personnel.
Work directly with operations staff on projects with immediate production impact.
Conduct daily assessments of material chemistry and related operational factors.
Design and execute experimental trials based on research needs and melting requirements.
Qualifications
What Qualifications Do I Need?
- Candidates should be enrolled in a degree program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering
- Preferred GPA of at least 2.7
Examples of Projects Steel Dynamics Process Engineering Interns Have Completed
- Analyze data from truck and rail scale systems to track material flow from raw input to finished product.
- Investigate yield losses across various production stages (melting, casting, rolling) and help identify root causes.
- Collaborate with operations and build rapport with production team, quality, and maintenance teams to validate process performance and material accountability.
- Apply mass balance and process flow analysis to detect bottlenecks, material inefficiencies, or handling issues.
- Support the development of continuous improvement recommendations to enhance yield and reduce cost per ton.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Candidates pursuing degrees in materials science, chemical, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering align well with this internship. These fields provide foundational knowledge crucial for engaging in process improvement, troubleshooting, and materials analysis within Steel Dynamics' steel manufacturing environment.
Interns balance office tasks with hands-on industrial involvement on the production floor, encountering real-time problem solving and system optimizations. Adapting to this dual environment demands quick learning and collaboration with operators, offering a practical understanding of steel production complexities.
While no mandatory certifications are specified, familiarity with process flow analysis, mass balance calculations, and data analytics tools can improve an applicant’s prospects. Local employers in Butler often value candidates with strong problem-solving skills and basic knowledge of manufacturing systems.
Interns contribute by optimizing processes that support Steel Dynamics’ circular manufacturing model, emphasizing efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. Projects may include analyzing material flow and yield losses, directly impacting sustainability goals through enhanced resource utilization.
Butler's strong industrial manufacturing presence creates steady demand for engineering interns, particularly in steel and metals production. Competition remains moderate due to specialized skills required, but candidates with practical experience and relevant coursework tend to stand out.
Daily tasks blend data analysis, experimental trials, and direct collaboration with operations teams. Interns troubleshoot equipment issues, develop SOPs, and participate in safety audits, making real-time adjustments that affect production efficiency and product quality.
Beyond hands-on work, Steel Dynamics facilitates networking through events like the Intern Extravaganza, offers mentorship from seasoned engineers, and provides exposure to diverse departments. This holistic approach fosters skill growth and industry connections valuable for career progression.
Process Engineering Interns in Butler typically earn hourly wages between $18 and $23, reflecting the specialized nature of the role and local industry standards. This competitive pay acknowledges the technical contributions interns make within Steel Dynamics' manufacturing processes.
The internship at Steel Dynamics is designed to immerse interns in both technical and cultural aspects, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and teamwork. Interns gain firsthand exposure to the company’s commitment to low-carbon steel production and circular economy principles.
Unlike many internships limited to observation, this role actively engages interns in floor operations and process improvements. Direct collaboration with operators and maintenance teams allows interns to apply engineering theories practically and witness immediate production impacts.