Design Engineering Internship/Co-op Position (2027)

Synergy Consulting Engineers, Inc.; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Consulting Engineers, Inc. offers a Design Engineering Internship/Co-op position for 2027 in the Grand Rapids/Detroit area with a hybrid schedule. You will be mentored by engineers and gain hands-on experience in building systems design, BIM, and load calculations.

The internship emphasizes collaboration, exposure to software (Autodesk Revit), and site visits, aiming to develop core engineering skills and prepare for licensure and future opportunities.

Qualifications

• In pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVACR, or Architectural Engineering Major (specializing in Mechanical Building Systems)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to adapt to various tasks assigned with the goal of expanding Mechanical/Architectural Engineering skills
• Able to take direction and work in teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Desire to learn and apply new skills

Responsibilities

• Join a tight-knit team and be mentored by department
• Contribute ideas and support to the service team
• Will gain experience in: Building systems design engineering
• Equipment sizing and load calculations
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Interpretation of architectural and mechanical drawings, equipment submittals/cut sheets & catalog data
• Introduction to live performance testing of building systems
• Introduction to Engineering Technology and Measurements
• Exposure to Autodesk Revit and other engineering software
• Opportunities for site-visits

Skills

BIM

Building systems design

Load calculations

Autodesk Revit

MS Word & Excel

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVACR, or Architectural Engineering (specializing in Mechanical Building Systems)

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Job description

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Design Engineering Internship/Co-op Position (2027)

We have design engineering internships open for mechanical and electrical engineering students wanting real-life experience in the field of engineering. As a holistic engineering firm, we support our client’s building systems from planning to design to operations and maintenance. Whether it’s design engineering, facility condition assessments, commissioning, or data analytics, we are advocates for the health of our client’s facilities. At Synergy, we strive as individuals to further our knowledge and understanding of our industry and to work together to generate innovative solutions to the problems that our clients face. The ideal internship candidate will be enthusiastic, teachable, and willing to collaborate.

Design Engineering Intern:

• Join a tight-knit team and be mentored by department
• Contribute ideas and support to the service team
• Will gain experience in:
  • Building systems design engineering
  • Equipment sizing and load calculations
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • Interpretation of architectural and mechanical drawings, equipment submittals/cut sheets & catalog data
• Introduction to live performance testing of building systems
• Introduction to Engineering Technology and Measurements
• Exposure to Autodesk Revit and other engineering software
• Opportunities for site-visits

Qualifications:

• In pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVACR, or Architectural Engineering Major (specializing in Mechanical Building Systems)
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to adapt to various tasks assigned with the goal of expanding Mechanical/Architectural Engineering skills
• Able to take direction and work in teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Desire to learn and apply new skills

Work Environment & Requirements:

• Average 40-hour workweek
• Greater Grand Rapids or Detroit Area, or ability to relocate
• Hybrid Work Environment
  • Traditional office setting, 2 days per week (9am-5pm)
  • Virtual/Remote office setting, 3 days per week
• Potential to continue the internship remotely with reduced hours during the school year
• 2 1/2 minute video about what it’s like to work at Synergy

What Previous Interns said About Working at Synergy:

• “Synergy is very people-oriented. Working with the people has made this job more fun!”
• “This Internship taught me that having a good team around you can make challenging work not as daunting.”
• “I’ve acquired new knowledge and skills during my time at Synergy.”
• “My team is determined; always looking for a way to be better. It drives me to work diligently and to want to have the next best idea for our team.”

Career Roadmap with Synergy

Creating a clear career roadmap demonstrates Synergy’s commitment to your professional growth and helping you envision a future where your skills and leadership potential are fully realized. By aligning your career goals with the company’s vision, we aim to provide opportunities for advancement, meaningful contributions, and long-term success. We’ve outlined below our OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) of your role within Synergy.

Within Your [First Rotation] [ 1-6 Months of Internship]: Foundation and Integration

Objective: Establish Technical and Team Knowledge

• KR: Complete onboarding and familiarize yourself with Synergy Consulting Engineers’ MEP design processes, software tools (Autodesk Revit, BIM, load calculation software), and company culture
• KR: Shadow experienced engineers to understand mechanical system design and project documentation
• KR: Participate in at least three project meetings to observe workflows and identify areas for contribution
• KR: Gain hands-on experience using Autodesk Revit by making basic mechanical system modifications and annotations in live projects
• KR: Begin familiarization with HVAC equipment sizing and load calculation methodologies, with guidance from senior engineers

Within Your [Second Rotation] [6-12 Months of Internship]: Contribution and Applied Learning

Objective: Participate in Hands-on Design and Engineering Support

• KR: Assist in preparing Building Information Modeling (BIM) documentation and contribute to live mechanical system drawings
• KR: Conduct a preliminary analysis on system efficiency and optimization, presenting findings to mentors
• KR: Collaborate with senior engineers on design coordination with other disciplines (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing)
• KR: Receive structured feedback on design skills, software proficiency, and problem-solving ability, identifying areas for improvement
• KR: Assist in reviewing equipment submittals, technical specifications, and catalog data to understand system selection criteria

Within Your [Third Rotation] [12-18 Months of Internship]: Execution, Leadership, and Specialization

Objective: Advance Toward Full Engineering Competency

• KR: Take ownership of at least one small mechanical system design task, including load calculations, equipment selection, and system layout
• KR: Develop and refine advanced load calculations and HVAC sizing models, applying real-world data to optimize system efficiency
• KR: Identify and implement at least one process improvement initiative, such as enhancing design automation workflows, refining calculation templates, or improving project coordination
• KR: Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing project contributions, technical growth, and recommendations for future improvements
• KR: Meet with leadership to discuss potential career opportunities, including full-time employment and further professional development (e.g., FE/PE licensure planning)

Outcome of the [Co-Op] [Internship] Program: By the end of the Co-Op or Internship Program, the student will have:

• Designed and contributed to multiple real-world MEP projects
• Gained proficiency in mechanical system design, analysis, and commissioning
• Developed leadership and mentorship skills
• Prepared for FE licensure and mapped out career progression

Compensation

$18-20/hr

Synergy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, marital or veteran status, physical or mental disability, age, height, weight, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We are also ABSOLUTELY committed to providing a work environment that is free of ALL forms of unlawful harassment. We will not tolerate the harassment of our Team Members by anyone –supervisors, coworkers, clients, vendors, or visitors. All Team Members have the right to work in an environment free from intimidation and harassment. Further, we are committed to having a professional work environment in all areas where everyone can comfortably and productively work.