Energy Engineer Intern

International Executive Service Corps; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinstry in Chicago invites energetic students to join its Energy team as Energy Engineer Intern for Summer 2027.

You will model solar production, analyze utility bills, and support sustainable projects nationwide, with mentorship and hands-on experience.

Prerequisites include pursuing or holding engineering-related degree, strong communication, detail orientation, and willingness to travel regionally.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing or have a degree in Engineering, Energy & Building Systems, or a related field.
• Junior student standing or higher required.
• Summer 2027 availability (May/June start until August/September).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized, and possess excellent follow-up skills.
• Must be self-motivated, able to multitask, and work independently.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specs, contracts, proposals, estimates, and other items.
• Working knowledge of MS Office; SharePoint and MS Project preferred; Visio optional.
• Travel regionally (mileage reimbursed).

Responsibilities

• Perform solar production models.
• Analyze customer electric bills.
• Support sustainable projects across the Country.
• Archiving and filing of completed projects.
• Researching rebate trends.
• Utilizing both manual and packaged calculations software
• Preparing energy savings reports
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Multitasking

Reading construction plans

Travel regionally

Education

Engineering or related field degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SharePoint

MS Project

Visio

Job description

Thank you for your interest in interning with McKinstry!

We are proud and excited to offer summer internships for 2027 across several of our different office locations andare currently seekinganEnergy Engineer Internto join our Energy team in Chicago, Il. McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

Our B.L.U.E.(Build, Learn, Understand, Enrich)Summer Internship Program is purposefully designed to inspire your imagination and help you guide your career with purpose. You’ll be an integral part of McKinstry with hands‑on experience, mentorship and a healthy dose of fun. Our program delivers depth and real experience so that you can truly evaluate potential career paths within the work we do.

What we look for in our Energy Engineer Interns:

• Must be pursuing or have a degree in Engineering, Energy & Building Systems, or a related field. Junior student standing or higher required.
• Availability in Summer 2027 (May/June start until August/September depending on school); part-time availability after Summer preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized, and possess excellent follow-up skills.
• Must be self–motivated, able to multitask, and work independently.
• Ability and aptitude to read and interpret construction plans, specs, contracts, proposals, estimates, and other regularly encountered items.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Visio required; working knowledge of SharePoint and MS Project preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel to and from job sites regionally (mileage reimbursed).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

What are our Energy Engineer Interns responsible for:

• Perform solar production models.
• Analyze customer electric bills.
• Supporting sustainable projects across the Country.
• Archiving and filing of completed projects.
• Researching rebate trends.
• Utilizing both manual and packaged calculations software
• Preparing energy savings reports
• Other duties as assigned

The hourly rate for this role is $24/hr.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.