Mechanical Engineering Intern
Big Ass Who?
We didn’t set out to start a fan company. We set out to solve a problem—workplace discomfort. (Sorry, HR, not your kind.) Facilities become furnaces during the summer, but businesses still expect peak performance and productivity. Without providing the basic human right of comfort, that’s just asinine. Seeing how overhead fans cooled California dairy cows begged a massive question for our founder. “Can a fan be made to revolutionize comfort for people?” he uttered.
That’s when the HVLS Fan Company was born—with the first-ever patented high-volume, low-speed fan. But that name? BOR-ing. And customers knew it. We kept getting calls asking, “Are you the guys who make those big ass fans?” Hell yeah, we are. And Big Ass Fans was born, complete with our own cheeky donkey mascot, Fanny. Today, we don’t just move air, we transform experiences. Big Ass Fans deliver comfort where it counts. We build every product like lives depend on it. Because, turns out, they do.
Our success is a result of the Big Ass Fans team’s innovation. Are you seeking an opportunity to work with extraordinary people with an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have something that sets you apart from the rest? With a bias for action, we want you to #livelifebigass and bring the next great BAF product to market. From our customers to our employees, we are passionate about what we can accomplish together. The successful candidate will bring passion, energy, and a “get it done” mentality to BAF and the industrial business and contribute in a meaningful way to realize the company’s full potential in the market.
Opportunity
Big Ass Interns are smart, genuinely curious, and full of innovative ideas. They're eager to learn the ins and outs of our business and understand why we do things the way we do. Our interns don't run errands - they're here to make a real impact at the company! As a BAF Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will be an integral part of the Big Ass Fans Engineering team. In this role, you will identify design opportunities to improve airflow performance, and system efficiencies for future BAF fan projects. In your first week, you'll dive into an exciting project you'll work on throughout your internship. At the end, you'll get to present your findings and recommendations to BAF executives. We'll provide a supportive, fast-paced environment focused on learning; you bring your attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple projects at once.
What You'll Do
- Identify and propose design opportunities to improve airflow and overall thermal performance.
- Develop and execute design of experiments.
- Analyze test data, generate reports and present findings.
- Support the mechanical design process, including CAD modeling, prototyping, and design reviews.
- Assemble and install fan samples to support development testing.
What You'll Bring
- Currently enrolled as a Mechanical Engineering student (and will be enrolled in Fall 2026)
- Experience with mechanical design and 3D CAD modeling
- Familiar with compiling test data and conducting basic statistical analysis
- Strong organizational skills, as well as data and information management skills for future retrieval
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Comfortable working on a ladder (~10ft above floor) and with 120V AC power
- Capable of lifting and installing small directional fans (up to 20lbs.)
- Able to work Monday-Friday onsite in Lexington, KY for the duration of the internship (relocation or housing are not included)
Think you have what it takes, but your background doesn’t perfectly align with this role? No sweat! If this position gets your fan spinning, we encourage you to apply and tell us how you’ll succeed with your unique skills in your application.
The Interview Process:
- Our First Chat: You'll be speaking with a BAF Recruiter! In this phone conversation, you'll discuss the opportunity more in-depth, and talk through any questions you have, as well as cover any details that aren't covered in this job description!
- Hiring Manager Interview: This will be a virtual interview with the Engineering Manager! Here, you'll learn more about the scope of the summer project and cover all of the in-depth details of the position.
How do you live life Big Ass?
Wonder what it’s like to walk through our Headquarters? Click here to get a virtual tour, and while you’re at it, check out our Benefits and Perks!
Be a part of something BIG
You’re not just a member of the Big Ass Fans team; it’s BIGGER than us. We are a Madison Industries company - one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the world. Madison Industries has fostered and built exceptional companies that are essential to our collective health and well-being. Come join our mission to make the world healthier, safer, and more productive to build something truly remarkable!
Why haven’t you applied yet?
Big Ass Fans is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Big Ass Fans maintains an environment where each individual is valued and respected. Individuals are expected to understand and comply with OSHA and ISO 9001 standards and procedures. Individuals are expected to apply safe work methods when performing the job requirements in hazardous and non-hazardous environments to avoid injury to self to co-workers or damage to property. Individuals are expected to report unsafe work conditions or equipment operation to supervisors immediately and observe all safety rules.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [email protected] or call us at 1.877.244.3267.