STEEL DYNAMICS

Internships

LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE WITH SDI

Are you a student enrolled in a degree program, who is looking for hands-on experience in a professional work environment? Steel Dynamics’ robust internship program offers hands-on, challenging projects in a fast-paced work environment. We will challenge your education and expertise while providing guidance and mentorship as you grow and develop your skills. Interns are afforded the opportunity to work alongside the most talented individuals in the steelmaking industry while utilizing state-of-the-art technology.

INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE

Steel Dynamics offers a flexible internship program designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while supporting students throughout their academic journey. Interns must be actively enrolled in a degree program, and assignments are aligned with their field of study to ensure relevant, career focused development.

We offer multiple pathways for students to gain experience, including summer internships, part-time internships for students local to our mill locations during the academic year, and co-op opportunities.

All internships are in-person and onsite to provide the best hands-on learning experience.

Interns are required to have reliable transportation, as transportation is not provided. For safety reasons, interns must be at least 18 years old to work in operational environments.

INTERNSHIP DISCIPLINES

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METALLURGY & MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics metallurgy interns play a hands-on role in supporting the quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement of our steel and aluminum operations. Interns work alongside operators, engineers, and lab personnel to analyze scrap materials, verify alloy compositions, and support melt shop processes. Through direct involvement in production and laboratory activities, interns gain real-world experience in spectrometry, data analysis, and process optimization.

Interns contribute to key initiatives such as identifying yield loss, improving scrap recovery, and enhancing process consistency across shifts. They assist with collecting and analyzing production data, participate in casting and melt operations, and support quality assurance efforts by validating lab results and ensuring compliance with accuracy standards. This experience provides exposure to the full production lifecycle, from raw materials through final product, while building strong technical and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates for the metallurgy internship program should be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

This program is ideal for students seeking practical experience in metallurgy, manufacturing, and process improvement while developing the technical and professional skills needed for a successful career in the steel industry.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll) & Aluminum Platforms

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics electrical engineering interns support the reliability, safety, and performance of our electrical systems. Interns work alongside engineers and electricians on substation maintenance, system upgrades, and troubleshooting while gaining hands-on experience with power distribution, automation, and instrumentation. They contribute to safety initiatives, assist with system documentation and HMI projects, and collaborate with internal teams and contractors to improve operations.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology. Coursework or experience in power systems, PLCs, automation, or electrical equipment is preferred.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll) & Aluminum Platforms

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics mechanical engineering interns support operations and continuous improvement efforts across our facilities. Interns work alongside engineers and operators to analyze data, solve problems, and improve processes while gaining hands-on experience with mechanical systems and maintenance in an industrial environment.

Interns assist with projects involving equipment performance, system design, and operational efficiency, while also supporting day-to-day maintenance activities. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world manufacturing challenges and the opportunity to develop practical engineering and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering. Strong mechanical aptitude, a willingness to work hands on in an industrial setting, and the ability to collaborate effectively with operations teams are required.

Locations

Metals, Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), & Aluminum Platforms

STRUCTURAL & CIVIL ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics structural engineering interns support the design, analysis, and execution of industrial and commercial projects. Interns work alongside engineers and operations teams to evaluate structures, assist with design components, and contribute to inspections, data collection, and project coordination. They gain hands-on experience using tools such as AutoCAD and BIM while supporting real-world construction and infrastructure projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Civil Engineering or a related field with a focus on structural engineering. This role is ideal for students interested in pursuing their EIT and eventual PE licensure while gaining practical experience in structural design and analysis.

Locations

Fabrication Platform

AUTOMATION, COMPUTER, & CONTROLS ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics automation and controls engineering interns support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our automated systems. Interns work alongside engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to troubleshoot automation issues, monitor system performance, and assist with process optimization. They gain hands-on experience with HMI systems, data analysis, SQL, and basic programming while contributing to real-time production support.

Interns also assist with software updates, system documentation, and network communication checks, while participating in outage planning and improvement projects. This role provides valuable exposure to industrial automation, system controls, and cross functional collaboration in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field. A basic understanding of programming and an interest in automation and control systems are required. Experience with SQL, networking, or industrial systems is preferred.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), Fabrication & Aluminum Platforms

PROCESS ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics process engineering interns support production and continuous improvement efforts across our operations. Interns work alongside engineers and operations teams to analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety. They gain hands-on experience with production systems, material flow, and real time problem solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Interns contribute to projects such as developing standard operating procedures, conducting experiments, analyzing trends, and supporting audits and safety initiatives. This role provides strong exposure to plant operations while building technical, analytical, and communication skills.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll) & Aluminum Platforms

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Steel Dynamics environmental engineering interns support compliance, sustainability, and continuous improvement across our operations. Interns work alongside environmental and operations teams to collect and analyze data, assist with permitting and reporting, and support programs related to air, water, waste, and pollution control. They gain hands-on experience with environmental monitoring, field inspections, and regulatory processes in an industrial setting.

Interns also contribute to audits, sustainability initiatives, and emissions reduction efforts while helping maintain accurate records and documentation. This role provides valuable exposure to environmental compliance and stewardship in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Chemical, or Civil Engineering with an environmental focus.

Locations

Metals, Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), & Aluminum Platforms

SAFETY

Steel Dynamics safety interns support the development and maintenance of a strong safety culture across our operations. Interns work alongside safety and operations teams to assist with training, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk and ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards. They gain hands-on experience conducting facility walkthroughs, identifying hazards, and supporting corrective actions in an industrial environment.

Interns also assist with incident investigations, safety documentation, and audit preparation while collaborating with cross functional teams on safety programs and procedures. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world safety practices in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in a safety related field.

Locations

Metals, Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), Fabrication & Aluminum Platforms

ACCOUNTING, TAX, INTERNAL AUDIT, & FINANCE

Accounting Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics accounting interns support the day-to-day financial operations of the business. Interns work closely with accounting teams to assist with journal entries, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and month-end close activities. They contribute to financial reporting, audit support, and capital and expense tracking while helping ensure accuracy and compliance in financial records. This role provides strong exposure to core accounting processes in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.

Internal Audit Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics internal audit interns focus on evaluating processes, controls, and compliance across the organization. Interns work with the audit team to support planning, testing, and reporting of operational and financial audits. They help review internal controls, document findings, and identify opportunities to improve processes and strengthen risk management. This role provides broad exposure to multiple areas of the business and how they operate.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.

Finance Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics finance interns support strategic and analytical initiatives that drive business decisions. Interns assist with data analysis, financial modeling, forecasting, and business valuation projects. They work with finance teams to develop reports, build presentations, and provide insights that support leadership decision making. This role offers exposure to high-level financial strategy and business performance analysis.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Finance or a related field, with at least junior standing.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll)

NURSING

Steel Dynamics nursing interns support employee health, safety, and wellness across our operations. Interns work alongside occupational health professionals to assist with health screenings, basic care, injury tracking, and compliance documentation. They gain hands-on experience in an industrial setting while supporting medical surveillance, first aid, and employee wellness initiatives.

Interns also assist with recordkeeping, clinical supply management, and coordination of care for work related injuries, while collaborating with safety and operations teams. This role provides valuable exposure to occupational health and workplace safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in an ASN or BSN nursing program. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential, along with a basic understanding of patient care and clinical procedures.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), Fabrication, & Aluminum Platforms

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Service Desk Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics service desk interns support end users across the organization by resolving day-to-day IT issues. Interns work directly with employees to troubleshoot hardware and software problems, deploy new computer setups, and manage service desk tickets. They also assist with IT documentation, inventory tracking, and system configurations. This role is highly user focused and provides strong exposure to IT support and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in Computer Information Systems or a related field.

Systems / Network Administration Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics systems and network administration interns support the infrastructure that keeps operations running. Interns assist with managing servers, networks, and enterprise systems, including Active Directory, DNS, and virtual environments. They help troubleshoot system issues, support backups, maintain servers, and assist with upgrades and installations. This role provides deeper technical exposure to IT infrastructure, networking, and system reliability.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a related field. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication are essential. Experience or interest in networking, servers, or certifications such as A+, Network+, or Security+ is preferred.

Software Development Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics software development interns focus on building and improving internal applications that support business operations. Interns work alongside developers to design, code, test, and deploy software solutions. They contribute to web and application development using technologies such as C#, SQL, and modern web frameworks, while participating in Agile development processes. This role provides hands-on experience in the full software development lifecycle.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), Fabrication & Aluminum Platforms

SALES & MARKETING

Sales Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics sales interns support customer engagement and business development efforts across our operations. Interns assist with B2B prospecting, customer relationship management, and industry event coordination while gaining exposure to the full sales cycle. They work closely with sales, operations, and production teams to understand how products move from raw material to finished goods and how customer needs drive business decisions. This role is relationship driven and provides insight into pricing, markets, and customer interactions.

Qualifications

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

Marketing Internship Overview

Steel Dynamics marketing interns support brand development, communication strategies, and market analysis efforts. Interns work with marketing teams to create and evaluate campaigns across digital and traditional channels, including social media, email, and print. They assist with content creation, competitive analysis, and data driven marketing insights while supporting strategic initiatives that align with sales efforts. This role is more creative and analytical, focusing on messaging, branding, and market positioning.

Qualifications

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills, familiarity with social media and digital marketing tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are preferred. Experience with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

Locations

Steel (Long Products, Flat Roll), Fabrication & Aluminum Platforms

WHY CHOOSE THE STEEL DYNAMICS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

Steel Dynamics offers a hands-on internship experience where students work on real projects that impact operations and business performance. Interns gain direct exposure to our facilities, collaborate with experienced professionals, and build meaningful connections across the company.

Our program is designed as a pipeline to full-time careers, with many interns transitioning into full-time roles after graduation. With flexible opportunities including summer, part time, and co-op positions, along with competitive pay, housing support, and company wide networking events, Steel Dynamics provides a strong foundation for launching your career.

Apply to be part of this life-changing program today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BENEFITS IN THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Steel Dynamics puts employees first with a robust benefits package. These are just some of the ways we show our appreciation and ongoing commitment to our interns.

  • Furnished Housing Free of Cost
    • Provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site, including essential furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay during the internship.
  • Intern Extravaganza
    • A two-day event at company headquarters featuring facility tours, networking with company leaders, cultural immersion, and connecting with other interns from across the country.
  • 401(k) & Company Match
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Benefits may vary by division.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At Steel Dynamics, our internship program is designed to be a pipeline to full-time careers. Many of our interns transition into full-time roles upon completion of their internship and academic program, continuing their growth within the company.

Throughout the internship, students have the opportunity to discuss career interests and future opportunities with their mentor and the Internship Program Coordinator. These conversations help align individual goals with available full-time positions across our operations, providing a clear path from internship to long-term career at Steel Dynamics.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Available internship opportunities can be viewed on the Steel Dynamics Careers page.

Co-op students typically work in longer rotations, often around six months, compared to traditional summer internships which generally last three to four months. Students interested in co-op opportunities are encouraged to apply to internship postings that align with their area of interest and communicate their availability during the application process.

Summer internship opportunities are posted each year beginning September 1st and remain open until positions are filled for the following summer. Applications are reviewed in the order that they are submitted.