Energy Engineer Intern

McKinstry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking an Energy Engineer Intern to join our Energy team in Chicago, IL. You will contribute to solar production modeling, analyze electric bills, and support building efficiency projects with hands-on experience and mentorship.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an Engineering-related degree, possess strong communication, and can read plans and specifications. Travel to job sites regionally may be required; part-time work after summer is a plus.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or has a degree in Engineering, Energy & Building Systems or related field.
• Junior student standing or higher preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication required.
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to follow up.
• Able to read and interpret construction plans, specs, contracts and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Perform solar production models.
• Analyze customer electric bills.
• Support sustainable projects across the country.
• Archive and file completed projects.
• Research rebate trends.
• Use manual and packaged calculations software.
• Prepare energy savings reports.
• Support building efficiency studies.
• Capture and analyze facility asset information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

communication skills

detail oriented

self-motivated

multi-tasking

reading construction plans

Education

Engineering or related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Visio

SharePoint

MS Project

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 and we’re currently seeking an Energy Engineer Intern to 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 multi-task, 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
• Support building efficiency studies
• Capture and analyze facility asset information
• 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.