Demo

intern – mechanical engineer

Alpek polyester
Gaston, SC Intern
POSTED ON 1/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/16/2026

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS JOB


We are seeking motivated students to join our Summer Intern Program As an Alpek Polyester USA Intern, you'll be making an impact on the world with one of the largest leading global producers of sustainable PET materials while putting your learning into practice through collaborative team and project opportunities that offer innovative solutions to our customers and real-world hands-on experience to kickstart your career.

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting the engineering and reliability efforts at the CA - Columbia site. Your attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills will be utilized to troubleshoot and resolve equipment failures, provide engineering project support, and improve the mechanical integrity/Reliability for the CA - Columbia site. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand experience and exposure to large scale plastics manufacturing processes, equipment maintenance as well as reliability improvements to production equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES


Primary Responsibilities

The Mechanical Engineering Intern will work at our CA - Columbia Site located in Gaston, SC. You will report to the Senior Manager of Engineering and will directly be exposed to various aspects of the Engineering & Reliability team that supports maintenance production areas across the plant site.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate cross functionally with other personnel and teams at the CA - Columbia site to accomplish assigned projects and tasks including:

  • Assist with the day-to-day technical functions that directly support the Engineering & Reliability team.
  • Engineering evaluations of equipment (Pressure vessels, piping, pumps, etc.).
  • Create and refine out-of-the-box solutions to recurring problems.
  • Develop and support Continuous Improvement initiatives.
  • Apply engineering expertise to operations issues utilizing ASME standards
  • Complete special projects and assignments as directed.
  • Successful execution of job responsibilities requires the ability to operate independently and effectively utilize initiative, attention to detail, discretion, and confidentiality.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Full time enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited college/university
  • Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
  • Availability to work full time (40 hours/ week) for the 3-month duration of intern assignment
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to make good judgment decisions
  • Willing and able to take initiative
  • Self-motivated
  • Professional level of integrity
  • Team-oriented
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Mechanical aptitude and/or hands on experience desirable
  • Follow safety procedures for the site
  • Ability to lift up to 40lb

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins, PET Recycling (rPET), and Specialty Polymers. This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities within the Alpek Polyester umbrella. We are committed to improving people's lives through our products, innovations, and a commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas, Mississippi, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., one of Mexico's largest corporations.

Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements. Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. Alpek Polyester USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hourly Wage Estimation for intern – mechanical engineer in Gaston, SC
$34.00 to $39.00
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