What Does Steel Dynamics Do?

Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company that produces lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Operating through a circular manufacturing model, the company manufactures a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products for industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. In addition to steel production, Steel Dynamics operates metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

What Makes This Internship Different?
Steel Dynamics’ metallurgy internships stand apart from others in the market because they provide a true balance of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns are not confined to observing from a distance; instead, they actively work alongside operators and maintenance teams on the production floor, applying engineering principles directly to equipment, systems, and processes. This immersive approach gives interns the opportunity to design solutions, test them in real-world conditions, and see the immediate impact of their work. At SDI, metallurgy is not limited to research and development, it is a dynamic combination of technical analysis and practical application that exposes interns to the full scope of how metallurgy drives production success.

Internship Location

This internship is located at the Steel Dynamics Flat Roll Division in Butler, IN and will take place during Summer 2027. By applying to this posting, you will be considered for opportunities across all departments.

Internship Benefits

• 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.
• 401(k) & Company Match
  
  • Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a 10–50% company match that vests immediately.
• Employee Discounts
  
  • Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and other goods and services through Steel Dynamics’ nationwide partner network.
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  • Up to five free visits per issue, per year for counseling, legal advice, financial guidance, and other daily living resources.
• 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.
• Competitive Pay
  
  • Competitive hourly wages for all internship positions, rewarding the value interns bring to the company.

What Are My Responsibilities as a Metallurgy / Process Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?

• Participate in optimization projects and assist with product and process analysis using various methods and tools, such as data analysis, lab equipment, and trials to support quality and certification standards.
• Support operations by collecting and analyzing production data, identifying yield loss points, and recommending improvements for efficiency and recovery.
• Collaborate with operators, engineers, and lab personnel across shifts to ensure consistency in data collection, quality assurance, and process improvements.
• Gain hands-on experience in department operations
• Contribute to quality assurance efforts by validating lab results, supporting round robin testing, and ensuring compliance with accuracy standards.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

• Candidates should be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Materials Science or Engineering
• Preferred GPA of at least 2.7

Examples of Projects Steel Dynamics Metallurgy / Process Engineering Interns Have Completed

• Lead a scrap recovery project to track and quantify melt loss during charging, establish baselines for key commodities, and provide actionable recommendations to reduce loss and improve recovery through better handling and process controls.
• Collaborate across all shifts/crews to monitor process variability, collect data, and implement best practices, building operator trust and maintaining project momentum through consistent communication.
• Support casting operations by participating in transfer and turnaround tasks, operating forklifts and fork trucks, and engaging directly with the production team during heat cycles and metal transfers.
• Implement new technology/equipment, including analyzing and comparing data, determining operational ranges and setpoints, creating SOP’s, and training others on purpose and use.
• Assist with product development trials by working closely with operators, testing new grades/products, and analyzing samples.
• Determine operational conditions or issues that would lead to failures of products or processes and recommend actions for improvement.
• Create training media for employees, customers, or others that help with understanding of the steel making process.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.