Mechanical Engineering Co-op - Plumbing/HVAC Design (Spring 2027)

SHP Leading Design; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

SHP Leading Design in Cincinnati, OH is offering an Engineering Intern position focused on HVAC and mechanical building systems. You'll gain hands-on project experience by supporting design, documentation, and modeling activities alongside mentors across disciplines.

With a Mechanical Engineering focus, you'll work on load calculations, Revit models, energy studies, and cross-disciplinary coordination to improve building performance and occupant comfort.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree with interest or coursework in HVAC/building systems.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and a desire to learn through hands-on projects.
• Comfortable using Revit and Office tools; exposure to energy modeling or AutoCAD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and documentation of HVAC and mechanical systems for a variety of building types.
• Support load calculations, equipment sizing, and system layout development.
• Contribute to Revit-based mechanical models, drawings, and schedules.
• Participate in energy modeling, sustainability studies, and system performance analysis.
• Learn how HVAC systems are coordinated with architectural, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.
• Support interdisciplinary teams as they solve design challenges and refine building performance.

Skills

Analytical

Detail-oriented

Hands-on project experience

Education

Mechanical Engineering student

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Energy modeling tools

Job description

About SHP

At SHP, design is about more than buildings--it's about people. We create places where students learn, communities gather, and organizations thrive. Our work is collaborative by nature, bringing together architects, interior designers, and engineers who care deeply about both design excellence and the human experience. As an intern, you'll be part of that team. You'll gain hands‑on project experience, learn from mentors who are invested in your growth, and build connections with peers across disciplines. Most importantly, you'll see how your ideas and contributions make a real impact on the communities we serve.

As an Engineering Intern with a focus on HVAC and Mechanical Building Systems, you'll explore how thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency are achieved through thoughtful mechanical design. You'll support the development of HVAC systems that respond to architectural intent, sustainability goals, and real‑world performance needs.

What You'll Do:

• Assist in the design and documentation of HVAC and mechanical systems for a variety of building types.
• Support load calculations, equipment sizing, and system layout development.
• Contribute to Revit-based mechanical models, drawings, and schedules.
• Participate in energy modeling, sustainability studies, and system performance analysis.
• Learn how HVAC systems are coordinated with architectural, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.
• Support interdisciplinary teams as they solve design challenges and refine building performance.

Who You Are:

• Junior, Senior, or Graduate student pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree with interest or coursework in HVAC, thermodynamics, or building systems.
• Curious about building performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
• Comfortable in Revit and Microsoft Office; exposure to energy modeling tools or AutoCAD is a plus.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn through hands‑on project experience.

How We Work (Our Values)

• Be Curious – Dive into problems and seek innovative solutions.
• Be Bold – Contribute ideas and challenge yourself.
• Be Selfless – Collaborate openly with teammates and clients.
• Be Grateful – Value mentorship and shared learning.
• Be Accountable – Deliver reliable, thoughtful work.

Our interns don't just learn their discipline...they become part of an integrated design community. You'll collaborate with peers in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design throughout the program. Have friends in those majors? Encourage them to apply, too.

Location & Onsite Expectations

This role is based in our Cincinnati, Ohio office location and is ideal for candidates who thrive in a highly collaborative, in person environment. Being onsite allows for deeper day to day engagement with peers and project teams, faster decision making, and organic moments of creativity and mentorship that emerge through shared space.

Compensation & Benefits

Your growth matters here - our pay reflects both your contributions and your potential. Our intern positions start at $20/hour, with the opportunity to increase by $1/hour for each additional term you return (up to a maximum of $22/hour). Graduate students begin at $22/hour. SHP also covers your parking expenses, so you can focus fully on gaining meaningful experience without worrying about the cost of getting here.

At SHP, our compensation philosophy reflects our values - we believe in recognizing growth, rewarding contribution, and aligning pay with the market. For our interns, that means your time here is not only meaningful for your development, but also valued in a way that reflects the impact you have on our work and the potential we see in you.

SHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.