Mechanical Engineer Intern

Thornton Tomasetti; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Thornton Tomasetti’s Forensic Practice offers a hands-on internship for mechanical engineering students. You will dive into HVAC and building systems issues, documenting conditions, collecting data, and contributing to forensic analyses in a team environment.

You’ll help generate technical reports and exhibits for clients and courts while learning practical repair strategies with engineers across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
• Strong academic record and interest in building systems and forensic problem‑solving.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or HVAC analysis tools is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in field investigations of HVAC and building systems, documenting conditions, and collecting data for analysis.
• Support evaluations of system performance and failure modes using engineering tools and forensic techniques.
• Help prepare technical reports and exhibits for clients and legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions for repair or mitigation.

Skills

Strong academic record

Education

Pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC analysis tools

Job description

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world’s challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients’ ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.

Our Forensic practice investigates problems in the built environment and provides evidence-based solutions founded on rigorous science and physics. We assist attorneys, property managers, building owners, contractors, manufacturers, and design professionals with a wide range of engineering and architectural issues.

Your Role

As a Mechanical Engineer Intern in our Forensics Practice, you will gain hands‑on experience investigating HVAC and building systems failures, damage, and performance issues across commercial, institutional, and specialty facilities. You will collaborate with talented professionals across disciplines in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment, gaining meaningful exposure to innovative engineering solutions and forensic methodologies.

WhatYou’llDo

• Assistin field investigations of HVAC and building systems, documenting conditions, and collecting data for analysis.

• Support evaluations of system performance and failure modes using engineering tools and forensic techniques.

• Help prepare technical reports andexhibitsfor clients and legal proceedings.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical solutions for repair or mitigation.

WhatYou’llBring

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

• Strong academic record and interest in building systems and forensic problem‑solving.

• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or HVAC analysis tools is a plus but notrequired.

Compensation

The rate for this position generally is$25-$35hourly.This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the California Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful California applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in California or perform the position from California. Similar positions located outside of California will not necessarily receive the same compensation.Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted byCaliforniaEqual Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employee already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee’s pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and other voluntary benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Childcare

• Paid Time Off, Family Leave for New Parents, Volunteer Time

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Commuter Transit (where available)

• 401k retirement savings with Company matching on employee contributions and/or qualified student loan repayments

• Fitness Reimbursement

• And other various wellness, diversity/inclusion and employee resource programs and initiatives

Pursuant to the SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.