Engineering Intern - Summer 2027 (Chicago, IL)

Brown and Caldwell•Chicago, IL

3d•$18 - $30

About The Position

Brown and Caldwell is seeking an Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 in Chicago, Illinois. The internship provides hands-on experience applying academic knowledge to real-world technical challenges while supporting consulting teams on projects in an assigned technical discipline. Interns work alongside experienced technical professionals and assist with research, analysis, documentation, technical evaluations, preparation of technical materials, and other project-support activities. The position offers exposure to technical consulting, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the project lifecycle, with close supervision and regular guidance from experienced colleagues or supervisors. The internship is intended for students seeking practical experience in a collaborative, project-based consulting environment. Interns are expected to attend workshops and summer-series sessions and complete a capstone project. The role is subject to a pre-employment background check and drug test.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Software), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or Data Science), or a related field.
Continued enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program in an eligible field after the internship.
GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
No prior professional experience is required.
Ability to organize information, maintain documentation, track tasks, and pay attention to detail.
Basic written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to share information clearly, ask questions, and document notes or action items.
Ability to apply academic knowledge to practical, real-world technical challenges.
Familiarity with technical, scientific, or data-analysis tools relevant to the assigned discipline, and willingness to learn new tools.
Ability to work effectively on a team, collaborate, and contribute positively in a collaborative technical environment.
Adaptability, curiosity, and eagerness to learn in a consulting and project-based environment.
Interest in consulting, client engagement, and technical communication.
Positive attitude, ability to follow instructions, respect confidentiality, and professional workplace conduct.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in water and wastewater treatment, environmental engineering, hydraulics, fluid mechanics, water quality, or treatment process design.
Academic projects involving water or wastewater treatment facilities, treatment process design, hydraulic modeling, or related infrastructure systems.
Undergraduate research experience in water, wastewater, nutrient removal, water quality, or environmental treatment processes.
Additional coursework, a concentration or minor, or strong academic performance in chemistry or chemical engineering disciplines.
Demonstrated interest in water and wastewater engineering through coursework, research, internships, student organizations, or personal projects.
Exposure to treatment plant design concepts, hydraulic calculations, fluid-flow analysis, or process-engineering applications.
Experience supporting laboratory research, engineering projects, or technical teams focused on water quality, treatment processes, or environmental systems.
Strong interest in pursuing a career in water and wastewater consulting rather than water resources, environmental policy, or unrelated environmental disciplines.
Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and motivation to learn the technical aspects of treatment process engineering and the water sector.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams to support project planning and execution.
Support day-to-day activities within assigned projects or functional areas.
Participate in internal and external meetings by taking notes, tracking action items, and supporting follow-up activities.
Perform technical or support tasks within the assigned functional area and technical specialty to support project and team needs.
Manage and deliver assignments on time.
Perform technical and operational tasks assigned to support evolving business and team needs.
Attend and complete Intern Workshops and Intern Summer Series Sessions.
Complete the intern capstone project assignment.
Adapt to and execute additional assignments based on evolving needs.