Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Summer Consultants, Inc. • Mclean, VA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Summer Consultants is seeking Mechanical Engineering Interns for Summer 2027. This role is for an engineering student interested in building systems and applying classroom concepts to real-world designs. Summer Consultants specializes in designing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for buildings, with a focus on renovating and modernizing existing federal, institutional, higher education, and historic facilities. Interns will support experienced engineers on real projects, assisting with surveys, calculations, equipment selection, ductwork and piping layouts, and drawings. The role emphasizes understanding the challenges of renovation work, including surveying existing conditions, documenting constraints, and integrating new designs within existing structures. Field surveys are a key learning component, allowing interns to observe and document mechanical and plumbing systems, understand how field conditions impact design, and connect engineering concepts to operational systems.

Requirements

• At least two years completed toward a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering (HVAC focus), Mechanical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Genuine interest in HVAC, plumbing, building systems, existing-building renovation, and learning how engineering works in practice.
• Curiosity about how buildings are constructed, operated, maintained, and modified over time.
• Willingness to spend meaningful time in the field surveying existing conditions.
• Ability to learn from experienced engineers, ask questions, receive and apply feedback, and contribute as part of a project team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Ability to support day-long field surveys outdoors and indoors, including conditioned and unconditioned spaces, with or without reasonable accommodation. Field work may include walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps in a day, climbing up and down a 6-foot ladder, kneeling, squatting, and bending.
• Ability to obtain site access at client locations, including federal facilities, as required by project assignments.

Nice To Haves

• AutoCAD and Revit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support mechanical and plumbing design work on renovation and existing-building projects.
• Participate in field surveys to observe and document existing building conditions and systems.
• Assist with HVAC and plumbing calculations, equipment selection, ductwork and piping layouts, and related design activities.
• Help translate survey information, calculations, and existing constraints into project drawings and design documentation.
• Use tools such as Revit and AutoCAD to support project work.
• Coordinate with engineers and designers from other disciplines.
• Ask questions, apply feedback, and take on increasing responsibility as your skills develop.
• Help solve client problems with curiosity, precision, quality, and follow-through.

Benefits

• Paid sick leave: One hour of sick leave earned for every 30 hours worked.
• Parking and business travel: Summer provides parking at no cost and reimburses reasonable approved expenses associated with travel to job sites and other business travel.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern