JobsGenerac

Mechanical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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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

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? About the Internship Program   Generac’s Internship Program is full-time ( 40 hours per week) from May/June through August 2027. The program will be on-site , with positions in the following locations: Waukesha, WI (headquarters); Pewaukee, WI; plant locations throughout Wisconsin.      ​ Generac’s Internship Program is designed to provide students with real-world experience in a supportive and innovative environment. Students contribute to impactful projects, gain exposure to industry best practices, and build lasting professional connections. This is a valuable opportunity to develop your professional and technical skills and grow alongside experienced mentors.   Potential Roles You Will Be Considered For: -Product Development -   Designs and develops new products, subsystems, and components from concept through production while balancing performance, cost, quality, and manufacturability. -Test & Validation -   Plans and executes laboratory and field testing to verify product performance, durability, safety, and compliance with requirements. -Simulation Engineering -   Uses analytical and virtual engineering tools such as FEA, CFD, and system modeling to predict product behavior and accelerate development. -Thermal & Fluid Systems-   Develops cooling, airflow, fuel, combustion, and fluid management systems to optimize product efficiency, reliability, and performance.   EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:   • Currently pursuing a bachelors or advanced degree in mechanical engineering or related field.   • Understanding or working knowledge of Pro-E and/or AutoCAD experience.   • Proficient oral and written communication and able to write clearly and succinctly to get a message across.   • Ability to work FULL-TIME during the Summer – 40 Hour Week; Potential to continue working part time during school.   PREFERRED EDUCATION   • Completion of Sophomore year     KEY DUTIES:   • Designs, validates , and brings new products to market.    • Provides new product development support in the Industrial, Commercial, Residential and/or Retail generator or Power Tool product area including; Creating and maintaining CAD models, drawings, and BOMs ; Supporting product development plans (schedule, product cost, meeting design inputs) ; Interfacing with internal company personnel ; P rovide technical support for assigned projects.   • Specifies precise new product functional requirements; designs, tests and integrates standard, less complex components to produce final designs; and evaluates the design's overall effectiveness, cost (including cost/benefit analysis), reliability (risk analysis), and safety.    • Designs, develops, executes and evaluates fitness-for-use testing, product specifications and process validation plans for standard products and/or components; creates and reviews material part specifications and bills of materials.    • Collaborates with internal manufacturing partners, contract manufacturers, designers and product specialists to optimize basic designs for manufacturability.    • Utilizes CAD (Computer Aided Design) or CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems to model new designs and produce detailed engineering drawings.    • Supports product development plans (schedule, product cost, meeting design inputs)   • Travels to other Generac facilities as necessary   • Other duties as assigned “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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