Mechanical Engineering Intern

Summer 2026 Engineering Internship

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are seeking a motivated 3rd or 4th year student to join our team as our Mechanical Engineering Intern for an exciting summer project. This internship will be associated with a single design project that will be deployed at our Garment Dyeing Facility. This internship will provide hands-on exposure to a real-world engineering application in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This will not be a general engineering experience but a project-based and results-based experience.

The intern will work closely with leaders and cross-functional stakeholders in the project while gaining practical experience in mechanical systems product quality and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate must be a fast learner a bold self-starter and ready to work on the shop floor.

This is an on-site position based in Detroit Lakes MN. Hybrid hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p up to 40 hours per week

Duration: Summer 2026

Join us and be a part of a company that values teamwork innovation and making work enjoyable every day! The starting wage range for this position is $20/hour.

Project Description

Our garment dyeing facility produces over 300000 custom dyed garments each month to support our screenprinting and embroidery decorating operations. Garment dyeing generally utilizes one of two processes - Pigment or Reactive and Lakeshirts uses both methods to produce different looks. This project is centered on the Reactive Dye process which chemically bonds the dye agents to material fibers. This chemical reaction is created in a pH and temperature-controlled bath and requires salt and alkali additions to promote dye-fiber bonding.

The purpose of this project is to design-to-scale a system that substitutes sodium sulfate brine for sodium chloride brine in the reactive process with an end goal of reducing chlorides released into the wastewater system. The State of Minnesota has adopted federals standards for chloride reduction in wastewater and the local municipality and treatment facility are challenged with meeting the new standard by 2033.

Proof of concept testing has yielded successful results meaning that color matching results between the two salts has proven successful with minor formula changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in ongoing proof of concept testing and evaluation
• Assist with test skid modifications testing and validation activities
• Document the current production process and flow - layout piping diagrams utility requirements process variables control points components etc.
• Redesign system to accommodate different material handling requirements for sodium sulfate.
• Collect and analyze performance data from equipment and processes
• Help maintain technical documentation and drawings
• Collaborate with manufacturing quality and maintenance teams
• Conduct/lead routine project status reviews

Learning Opportunities

• Exposure to a fast-paced manufacturing operation
• Hands-on experience with multiple manufacturing processes
• Cross-functional teamwork in a professional setting

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering and has completed Junior year
• Basic understanding of mechanical design fluid transfer and control systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel Word PowerPoint)
• Basic CAD proficiency (Sketchup or other)
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Faculty referral letter

Helpful Qualifications

• Previous work experience in agricultural construction or manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor exposure
• May require use of basic PPE in production areas
• Collaborative engineering team setting

OUR CULTURE TRULY SETS US APART. Life at Lakeshirts is all about embracing our core values having fun and working with great people who make every day an opportunity to thrive. Were looking for those who want to roll up their sleeves and make an impact while enjoying a culture that values creativity teamwork continuous improvement and empowering each team member to define and elevate their success. We also foster a strong sense of community and are dedicated to wowing our customers on the daily.

LIFES BETTER IN A T-SHIRT & SO IS WORK! Heres what you can expect when you join the Lakeshirts team:

• Compensation Work Hard. Get Rewarded: Guided by our value of meritocracy we offer a compensation package that reflects your unique skills talents and contributions. You are not just a number-your success ideas and efforts directly shape your growth and earning potential empowering you to take your career to the next level. And there is an option to be paid daily!
• Onsite Perks Get in my Belly: At our HQ in Detroit Lakes enjoy hot breakfast lunch and snacks from our subsidized cafeteria
• Dogs @ Work Yes. Its A Thing. And Its Pawsome: Bring your furry friend to work because we believe dogs just make everything better
• Relaxed Dress Code Wear What Makes You Feel Your Best: Whether its jeans tees and flip flops- we believe comfort fuels creativity and we offer an employee merchandise discount to keep you & your family well-stocked
• Flexible Work Schedules Full Time Part Time & Everything In Between: Because we understand the importance of work-life balance
• Unique Culture That Is Priceless: We make work fun; we believe in teamwork giving back to our communities and doing what we love with great people and always rocking a t-shirt a hat and some cool socks

Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job:

Employee must be able to see and hear read and write. Requires good judgment people-oriented flexible organized diplomatic reliable enthusiastic courteous helpful patience.

Physical Demands:

Occasionally: Lifts Carries Pushes Pulls Climbs Balances Bends Twists Crawls Reaches Lifts 25-50lbs Carries 25-50lbs Reaches at above or below shoulder height

Frequently: Lifts and Carries 10-24lbs

Continuously: Stands Walks Sits

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.

Required Experience:

Intern