Mechanical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027
Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
Behavioral
Tell me about a class project or personal project where you designed a part or system from scratch. What did you build and what tools did you use?
whether the candidate has hands-on design experience beyond coursework and can explain their process clearly
Describe a time you had to explain a technical idea to someone who wasn't an engineer, or who didn't have your same background.
written and oral communication skills, which the posting explicitly calls out
Tell me about a group project where you had to work with people who had different priorities than you, like a teammate focused on cost while you were focused on performance.
ability to collaborate across functions, since the role involves working with manufacturing, designers, and product specialists
Tell me about a time a deadline was tight and something didn't go as planned. How did you handle it?
ability to manage schedule pressure and adapt, since interns support product development plans and timelines
What do you understand about generators, engines, or power equipment, even at a basic level, and why does this industry interest you?
genuine interest in Generac's product space versus applying to any internship
Technical
Walk me through how you would create a CAD model and drawing package for a simple bracket, starting from a rough sketch or requirement.
basic familiarity with CAD workflow and drawing standards, since Pro-E or AutoCAD proficiency is a stated requirement
Have you used Pro-E, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software? Tell me about the most complex model or assembly you built.
actual depth of CAD experience versus just listing the software on a resume
What do you know about FEA or CFD, and have you used either in a class or project?
exposure to simulation tools relevant to the simulation engineering track, without expecting expert-level skill
If you're given a set of functional requirements for a new component, how would you go about deciding which design solution to pursue?
basic grasp of engineering design process, from requirements to concept evaluation
Situational
Suppose you're testing a component and the results don't match what your simulation or hand calculations predicted. What would you do next?
whether the candidate can troubleshoot systematically instead of guessing or panicking
If you were asked to redesign a part to cut cost without hurting reliability, what factors would you look at first?
understanding of the tradeoffs between cost, performance, and manufacturability that the role centers on
If a part you designed passed your own review but a manufacturing partner said it couldn't be built as drawn, what would you do?
willingness to take feedback from manufacturing and iterate on designs for manufacturability
This role requires being on-site full time all summer, with possible travel to other Generac facilities. Is there anything about that schedule or travel that would be hard for you?
confirming logistical fit and honesty about availability constraints
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As published by Generac.
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