About the role#
PAE is offering a paid, 10 to 12 week mechanical engineering internship for Summer 2027. You will work directly with our engineering and design teams on projects ranging from small retrofits to high-profile Living Buildings. This role provides hands-on experience in sustainable design and the full building design process, including planning, execution, and problem solving.
What you'll do#
- Use CAD and Revit for design tasks.
- Perform design calculations and energy modeling.
- Create layouts for HVAC ductwork, hydronic systems, and plumbing.
- Analyze energy and water data, such as EUI and WUI.
- Gather weather and climatic data to support eco-charrettes.
- Prepare project specifications, cost estimates, and M/E coordination schedules.
- Assist with construction administration, commissioning, and site visits, including preparing site observation reports.
- Provide general project overviews and timeline support.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a third-year undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering.
- Coursework in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
- A strong interest in the building design industry and sustainable design solutions.
- Effective communication skills.
- Preference for candidates with additional coursework in building sciences or HVAC.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site position.
- Available locations: Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Denver, CO; and Portland, OR.
- This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
About PAE
PAE is an engineering and design firm founded in 1967. Based in Portland, Oregon, the company employs between 201 and 500 people. It specializes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering alongside technology systems design and energy modeling. As a certified B Corporation, the firm focuses on building resilience and efficiency for its clients.
How to get in at PAE
Securing an internship at PAE requires proactive timing because early applicants often get seen before the pile grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can apply among the first. This gives you a better chance to have your materials reviewed by the team. You can also improve your odds by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates compared to submitting into a general queue.
