Commissioning (Mechanical background) Intern

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid overtime

Housing allowance for interns not near

Mentorship from Commissioning staff

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) invites energetic students to join the Commissioning Services team as a Mechanical Intern. This role offers hands‑on experience supporting commissioning for complex building systems and exposure to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building automation projects.

You will work with experienced Commissioning Authorities, attend project meetings, document testing, and gain insight into energy efficiency and high‑performance buildings while developing professional skills.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Completion of sophomore year or higher by the internship start date.
• Strong interest in building systems, construction, and facility performance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist commissioning professionals with project planning, field observations, and functional performance testing activities.
• Support the review of construction documents, equipment submittals, and operation and maintenance manuals.
• Participate in site visits to observe system installations and verify compliance with project requirements.
• Assist with documenting deficiencies, observations, and testing results.
• Help prepare commissioning reports, checklists, and project documentation.
• Observe startup activities and functional testing of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and control systems.
• Attend project meetings and collaborate with engineers, contractors, owners, and facility staff.
• Support data collection and analysis related to system performance and energy efficiency.

Skills

Building systems knowledge

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Pursuing degree (sophomore year+)

Tools

AutoCAD

HVAC basics

Job description

At SSR, we're more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm-we're a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other-driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Looking for a Commissioning (Mechanical) Intern

SSR is seeking a motivated Commissioning Intern to join our Commissioning Services team. This internship provides hands‑on experience supporting the commissioning process for complex building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building automation systems. Interns will work alongside experienced Commissioning Authorities and project teams to help verify that building systems are designed, installed, tested, and operating according to the owner's requirements.

This position is ideal for students interested in building systems, energy efficiency, facility performance, and the construction process.

What You'll Do

• Assist commissioning professionals with project planning, field observations, and functional performance testing activities.
• Support the review of construction documents, equipment submittals, and operation and maintenance manuals.
• Participate in site visits to observe system installations and verify compliance with project requirements.
• Assist with documenting deficiencies, observations, and testing results.
• Help prepare commissioning reports, checklists, and project documentation.
• Observe startup activities and functional testing of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and control systems.
• Attend project meetings and collaborate with engineers, contractors, owners, and facility staff.
• Support data collection and analysis related to system performance and energy efficiency.
• An individual with potential for employment and growth within the firm.
• Incumbent must be able to operate a computer to check email and to produce documents using a software program.
• Incumbent shall be able to traverse and navigate construction sites to inspect work done by contractors.
• Manipulates plans periodically. Must be able to lift plans weighting 30 pounds.

Who We're Looking For

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of sophomore year or higher by the internship start date.
• Strong interest in building systems, construction, and facility performance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel locally and perform field work at active construction sites.
• Familiarity with HVAC, electrical, or building automation systems through coursework, projects, or previous internship experience.
• Basic understanding of construction documents and engineering drawings.
• Interest in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and high-performance buildings.

What We Offer

• Paid overtime and a housing allowance provided for interns who do not reside near any of our office locations.
• Hands‑on exposure to the commissioning process from design through occupancy.
• Experience working on healthcare, higher education, commercial, sports, and civic projects.
• Mentorship from experienced Commissioning Authorities and engineering professionals.
• Understanding of building systems integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operational performance.
• Exposure to industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in the built environment.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Aff…

EOE including Disability/Veteran

Our mission is to take a positive difference for our clients, colleagues, and communities.