Applications Engineering Intern (Summer Semester 2026)

Internships Lexington, Kentucky


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 Fans interns are smart, curious, and full of fresh ideas. They’re eager to understand how our business works, why we operate the way we do, and how they can contribute in meaningful ways. At Big Ass Fans, interns don’t fetch coffee—they make a real impact. As a BAF Applications Engineering Intern, you will conduct in-depth research related to energy efficiency initiatives, IAQ, IEQ, and other topical matters in the built environment industry by completing measurement and validation studies of in-situ installations and by using simulation and modeling tools. In addition to application design responsibilities, you’ll have the opportunity to present your research findings to BAF executives at the end of the summer.

What You'll Do

  • Develop application-specific product and design recommendations for HVLS fans and other BAF products using AutoCAD and CFD software packages.

  • Identify, scope, and execute opportunities for research and development of fan (and other BAF product) applications.
  • Design measurement and validation studies with practical and meaningful test plans, data analysis, and actionable results.
  • Assist the department in creating and maintaining sales support documentation and tools.
  • Present technical information, recommendations, and findings to a wide range of audiences.

What You'll Bring

  • Currently enrolled in a 4-year BA/BS engineering program. (ME, CE, BSE preferred)
  • Able to work onsite in Lexington, KY for the duration of the internship Monday-Friday (relocation or housing assistance is not provided)
  • Self-motivating, driven, and success-oriented individual with a willingness to learn and a professional approach to work.
  • Exemplary technical communication skills. Proven ability to communicate efficiently and effectively in a professional manner.
  • Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, accurately, and with minimal oversight
  • Familiarity with the following areas is a plus:
    • CFD software and results interpretation
    • Building energy saving models and sustainability efforts
    • Mechanical and electrical building systems
    • Professional construction/design documentation

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:

  1. Our First Chat: You'll be speaking with a BAF Recruiter! Here, you'll discuss the opportunity more in-depth, and talk through any questions you have.
  2. Hiring Manager Interview: This will be a virtual interview with our Sales Engineering Manager, and you'll go through all of the in-depth details of the position and project.  

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.