Contact:
Mike Ferlazzo
570-577-3212
570-238-6266 (c)
mike.ferlazzo@bucknell.edu
LEWISBURG, Pa. (August 11, 2026) – Zachary Ebilane ’27, a mechanical engineering major from Long Beach, Calif., was one of just seven engineering interns at Porsche Engineering’s Los Angeles facility, where he worked in the company’s early prototype and development group. As a test engineering intern, he supported engineers in evaluating everything from powertrain components to “infotainment” systems while serving as a “vehicle companion” for five prototype vehicles with test drivers to collaborate closely on testing activities and requirements.
“They started me with one car to see how I learned and performed,” he says. “By July, I had five that I was responsible for.”
The opportunity began with a chance encounter. While home over Thanksgiving break in 2025, Ebilane ran into mechanical engineering alumnus Brian DeSouza ’25, a vehicle engineer at Porsche Engineering. After the conversation, Ebilane searched the company’s career page, found an internship opening, and reached out to DeSouza again. DeSouza referred him for the position, helping to put his application on the hiring team’s radar before Ebilane advanced through a rigorous, multi-round interview process.
As an intern, Ebilane helped to evaluate cars long before they reach consumers. “They brought in cars that won’t be released for three or four years,” he says. “It was incredible to be able to work on them.”
Ebilane credits Bucknell’s hands-on College of Engineering curriculum and small classes with preparing him for the role, particularly the communication and teamwork skills that helped him stand out during the interview process.
The experience has also affirmed his career ambitions. “I’ve made it pretty clear to my managers that I’d love the opportunity to come back,” he says. “I really enjoyed the work.”
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Photo by Gregg Segal