Mechanical Engineering Intern (Pack STEM, Tahoe Bear Box, Summer '25)
**This internship is hosted by Tahoe Bear Box and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio.
To be eligible for this internship, all applicants must have their resume and cover letter reviewed by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS). Please visit during drop-in hours before applying for this position. Students will not be able to submit applications for this position without NCS approval.
About Tahoe Bear Box:
Tahoe Bear Box has been specializing in animal-resistant garbage can enclosures since 2003. Designed, engineered, and manufactured above and beyond the Architectural Standards Committee's requirements for garbage receptacles. Our products are proudly made in America, built to withstand harsh climates, user abuse, and even grizzly bears. We've installed over 40,000 residential units and we've partnered with local communities and government agencies across the USA.
With facilities across the Lake Tahoe region, we got our start from the demand for better wildlife waste management practices needed in the Tahoe Basin.
We now proudly support the creation of Bear Safe Communities across the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Sierra's beyond.
Recently, we've undertaken a complete reimagining of our systems and services, deploying an integrated e-commerce and installation solution. These new systems, along with a customer centric approach to service, has resulted in an industry leading Net Promoter Score which serves as the foundation for our expansion. We are now developing a next-generation bear box design in order to better serve the entire country.
Internship Description:
Tahoe Bear Box is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineering Intern to help develop an innovative bear-resistant container. This opportunity is ideal for advanced engineering students with strong SolidWorks sheet metal design skills who want to make a meaningful impact on a breakthrough product that will redefine the industry and expand our serviceable markets nationwide. Working directly with our founder and chief engineer, you'll contribute to all phases of product development from design to next generation prototype. We have developed an early prototype to validate the product concept, it is now time to make further refinements in preparation of full-scale production. This position is primarily remote with occasional in-person collaboration in the North Lake Tahoe or Carson City areas.
Why join us this summer?
- Be instrumental in developing a product that will transform the bear-resistant container market
- Gain comprehensive experience across all product development phases
- Receive direct mentorship from an experienced engineer and founder
- Enhance your SolidWorks expertise with complex real-world applications
- Build an impressive portfolio piece demonstrating tangible impact
- Experience the entire product development lifecycle from concept to manufacturing
- Enjoy a flexible remote work arrangement with visits to the beautiful Lake Tahoe region
- Earn competitive compensation of $25-$35 per hour based on your skills and experience
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Complete 360 hours of work as an intern (32-40 hours per week, 12 weeks total)
- Partner with our founder to develop and refine our innovative bear box design using SolidWorks
- Create detailed 3D models using advanced SolidWorks sheet metal design tools
- Produce precise 2D manufacturing drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances, and specifications
- Design complementary accessories for the main product
- Prepare optimized CAD files for sheet metal fabrication (DXF, STEP, DWG formats)
- Coordinate with fabricators to ensure designs meet manufacturing requirements
- Incorporate prototype feedback into design iterations
- Maintain organized documentation of all project files
- Participate in design reviews and provide technical insights
- Assist with material selection and manufacturing process evaluation
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Design and Engineer a Production-Ready Bear-Resistant Container: Utilize SolidWorks to iteratively design and prototype a bear-resistant container, culminating in a finalized 3D model assembly and comprehensive manufacturing documentation.
- Develop Manufacturing-Ready Documentation: Create a complete set of 2D drawings with GD&T and sheet metal specifications, along with optimized DXF/STEP files and technical specifications for fabrication.
- Contribute to the Product Development Lifecycle and Enhance Technical Skills: Participate in prototype evaluation, incorporate feedback, and improve technical communication while gaining practical experience in design for manufacturability and the overall product development process.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking student at the University of Nevada, Reno after the Spring ‘25 semester
- Spring ‘25 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Wolf Pack STEM Internship Program
- Junior/Senior undergraduate or Master's student in Mechanical Engineering or related field (we are offering $25-35 per hour depending on experience)
- Proficiency in SolidWorks sheet metal design (portfolio examples required)
- Exceptional attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities
- Excellent remote communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively
- Self-motivated with strong project management capabilities
- Reliable remote work setup with high-speed internet
- Ability to travel occasionally to North Lake Tahoe or Carson City
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks sheet metal design (portfolio examples required)
- Experience with GD&T principles and manufacturing documentation
- Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes and design for manufacturability
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants must be able to work between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with an estimated effort of between 30 and 40 hours per week.
Pack STEM internships require interns to complete 360 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.