Engineering Sciences Intern: Real-World Impact

Secretariat; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Secretariat's Global Engineering Sciences team is seeking a student intern to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges across industries such as energy, chemicals, machinery, and consumer products. You will help investigate failures, support testing, and contribute to project reports as part of a fast-growing consulting environment.

You’ll learn from experienced engineers and scientists, build practical technical and consulting skills, and develop strong teamwork while

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Building Science/Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree candidates are also encouraged to apply.
• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and August 2030.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Interest in pursuing PE credentials is a plus.
• Curious, analytical, and eager to solve complex problems in practical, real‑world settings.
• Strong communication skills, including listening, writing, presenting, and explaining technical ideas clearly.
• Able to learn quickly, think creatively, manage competing priorities, and ask thoughtful questions when guidance is needed.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast‑growing consulting environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
• Additional language skills are a plus.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• In this role, you’ll build practical engineering, analytical, and consulting skills by supporting real client projects from investigation through reporting.
• You’ll work with experienced professionals who will help you learn how to break down complex technical questions, analyze information, and communicate your findings clearly.
• Support hands‑on failure investigations and learn how engineers evaluate what happened, why it happened, and how it can be explained clearly.
• Compare real‑world conditions with original designs, drawings, specifications, and project documents.
• Assist with field inspections, site visits, laboratory testing, and other investigative activities.
• Perform engineering calculations, research technical issues, and analyze data to help solve complex problems.
• Review, organize, and summarize project documents, technical records, photos, test results, and other relevant information.
• Help draft clear, well‑supported report sections that explain technical findings in a way clients can understand.
• Contribute to visuals, exhibits, and demonstratives that help tell the story of a technical issue or investigation.
• Analyze technical reports prepared by others and help develop supporting, concurring, or rebuttal perspectives.
• Participate in team and client communications, gaining exposure to consulting work across different industries and time zones.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, peers, and clients while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Use curiosity, attention to detail, and strong analytical thinking to help the team meet project milestones and deliver high‑quality work.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Analytical thinking

Curious

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science / Mechanical / Civil / Building Science / Architectural Engineering / Chemical Engineering (related field)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Secretariat's Global Engineering Sciences team is seeking a student intern to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges across industries such as energy, chemicals, machinery, and consumer products. You will help investigate failures, support testing, and contribute to project reports as part of a fast-growing consulting environment.

You’ll learn from experienced engineers and scientists, build practical technical and consulting skills, and develop strong teamwork while