Mechanical & HVAC Refrigeration Intern (Summer 2027)

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Mechanical & HVAC Refrigeration Intern (Summer 2027)The Company Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a thriving, values-driven company focused on doing the right things. We’re a fast growing, publicly traded company (NYSE: ZWS), with an enduring reputation for integrity, giving back, and providing an engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow.

Named by Newsweek as One of America’s Most Responsible Companies and an Energage USA Top Workplace, at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation, we never forget that our people are at the center of what makes us successful. They are the driving force behind our superior quality, product ingenuity, and exceptional customer experience. Our commitment to our people and their professional development is a recipe for success that has fueled our growth for over 100 years, as one of today’s leading international suppliers of plumbing and water delivery solutions.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation employs over 2800 employees worldwide, working from 24 locations across the U.S., China, Canada, Dubai, and Mexico, with sales offices available around the globe.  We hope you’ll visit our website and learn more about Zurn Elkay at zurnelkay.com.

If you’re ready to join a company where what you do makes a difference and you have pride in the work you are doing, talk to us about joining the Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation family!

If you are a current employee, please navigate here to apply internally.

The Mechanical / HVAC-Refrigeration Engineering Intern will support the research, evaluation, and development of emerging technologies that enhance the performance, efficiency, sustainability, and reliability of Zurn Elkay's Drinking Water and Filtration products. This internship offers hands-on experience exploring next-generation technologies and helping transform innovative concepts into future product solutions.

Working closely with Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Innovation teams, the intern will conduct technology research, support product development projects, evaluate new components and systems, perform testing and analysis, and contribute to strategic innovation initiatives. This role is ideal for students passionate about mechanical systems, refrigeration technologies, thermal performance, energy efficiency, and product innovation.

Key Focus Areas

Research emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends related to refrigeration systems, thermal management, energy efficiency, controls, filtration, water delivery systems, and sustainability.

Conduct competitive benchmarking and technology assessments to identify opportunities for product innovation.

Evaluate new components, technologies, and design concepts for future product applications.

Support feasibility studies and proof-of-concept development activities.

Develop recommendations on technologies that could improve product performance, reliability, customer experience, and sustainability.

Assist engineering teams in developing and testing new product concepts and technologies.

Support prototype builds, product evaluations, and validation activities.

Participate in laboratory testing related to thermal performance, refrigeration systems, water quality, energy efficiency, and product durability.

Analyze test results and provide recommendations for design improvements.

Support design reviews and engineering problem-solving activities.

Identify opportunities to enhance product functionality, efficiency, manufacturability, and customer value.

Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering to evaluate future product roadmaps and innovation opportunities.

Assist in evaluating customer needs and translating them into technical product requirements.

Explore opportunities to incorporate smart technologies, sustainability features, and advanced materials into future products.

Collect and analyze engineering data, test results, and field performance information.

Develop reports, presentations, and technical documentation that summarize project findings and recommendations.

Support reliability and performance evaluations for new and existing technologies.

Assist with engineering calculations, simulations, and design validation activities.

Learning & Development Opportunities

Completion of one or more technology research or innovation projects.

Benchmarking assessment of emerging technologies and competitive product solutions.

Development of recommendations for future product, refrigeration, or thermal system enhancements.

Participation in prototype development, testing, or proof-of-concept activities.

Technical presentation to engineering and business leadership summarizing findings, recommendations, and potential business impact.

Documented roadmap outlining opportunities for future technology development and implementation.

Qualifications

undefined

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVAC engineering, refrigeration engineering, manufacturing engineer, or other related field.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Effective verbal and written communication abilities.

Interest in product development, thermal systems, and emerging technologies.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

​The Salary Range - $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

• *THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Zurn Elkay, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.**