Mechanical Engineer Student

When you work at Daktronics, you’ll be part of something amazing. We design, engineer, manufacture and support bold, eye-catching digital LED display technology and audio systems.

Our products bring excitement to professional, college and high school games. They attract customers for businesses around the world, and even provide direction for people as they travel, work and play.

As part of the Daktronics team, you’ll have interesting, impactful work with flexible opportunities. You can learn and grow at a company that provides competitive compensation and meaningful benefits – and the people are second to none.

Learn more About Daktronics!

Where is this opportunity located?   

Position is in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is open to candidates eligible to work in the U.S.

Check out our Daktronics Student Careers Video

What will work look like for me?    

At Daktronics, our student program provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning a degree. You will experience challenging and meaningful work; you’ll have a mentor who will challenge you to find solutions, take initiative, and develop a strong understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures. We will make sure you have the knowledge needed to be successful, but you will hit the ground running!   We will do our best to prepare you for full-time employment, so we can confidently encourage you to apply for our positions after graduation.   

Mechanical Engineer Students will gain experience in the following areas:

• Develop concepts and ideas for designs in Creo.  
• Fabricate prototypes using 3D printing capabilities, sheet metal forming, or other methods.  
• Work effectively as a team member, work with little supervision, organize workload efficiently, and help when and where needed.
• Communicate effectively with team members and customers (internal and external).
• Make suggestions for designs, process, and product improvements.
• Regularly and reliably work scheduled hours and be willing to work additional hours as necessary.
• Perform other duties as needed to meet business needs.

Opportunities available in multiple areas based on business need and interests:

• Manufacturing Process Engineer:    
  • Recommending process improvements to streamline product flow and be responsible for implementation of process improvements/lean manufacturing concepts.   
  • Coordinating with Engineering on major product changes.   
  • Overseeing implementation of incremental product improvements through ECO process suggestions and overall process improvement opportunities.   
  • Assisting with construction of prototype cabinet designs to gather feedback and determine effectiveness.   
  • Assist with the construction of workstations, gravity racks, carts, work aides and fixtures, gather feedback, and determine effectiveness.   
• Mechanical Design:
  • Facilitate product development at any point in its life cycle, from conceptual design through production.  
  • Produce accurate design drawings and documentation for projects in Creo. Assist Engineers with design, drafting bill of materials, and routing documentation.  
  • Assist in documenting and checking components in Creo.  
  • Assemble and test prototypes.  
    • Structural, Thermal, and Reliability testing.  
  • Prepare detailed drawings of sub-assemblies and parts.  
  • Write operation sequences and bill of materials (BOM).  
  • Help coordinate the manufacture of systems on project basis.  
  • Assist with installations as required.  

Check out our Daktronics Student Career Video.  

The typical hiring pay for this position is $20.00/hour to $22.00/hour. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experiences, location, and applicable local legislation.  

Students with GPA of 3.5 and above are eligible for a $500 bonus (Academic Excellence Reward) each semester completed while employed.

This position will be eligible for company benefits including, employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability, and accommodations.

This information is intended to be a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics due to factors affecting the business.

Academic requirements:   

• Candidate must be enrolled as a student and registered for at least 12 credits.  
• Preferred candidate would be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related degree.  
• Preferred applicant would be in their sophomore or junior year of school.   
• Only strong academic performers will be considered. Must maintain an acceptable GPA, preference to 3.0 GPA or greater.   
• Unofficial Transcripts or Web Transcripts must be submitted with application to be considered.  

Other Requirements:  

• Candidates should be available to work 15-20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.  
• Computer software experience to include AutoCAD, with Creo preferred but not required.  
• Knowledge of general drafting practices preferred.  
• Computer skills and knowledge essential.  
• Good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, self-motivation.  
• Fluent in English, written and verbal.   
• Physical Requirements include the ability to:  
  • Operate automated equipment and/or hand tools.  
  • Work with or around odors (solder/paint/solvent/Manufacturing odors).  
  • Lift and carry up to 45lbs. and/or awkward items.   
  • Be able to stand for the full shift.  
• Ability to meet all workplace safety requirements.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position. 

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetics, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or citizenship status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.