Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Salas O'Brien; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site in Chicago

Job summary

Salas O’Brien is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern in Chicago, IL. You will gain hands-on experience by working with mentor engineers and contributing to real projects.

You will develop CAD drafting and time-management skills, applying classroom knowledge to multiple engineering disciplines in a collaborative, people-first environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering program at a four-year ABET-accredited school.
• Preferred graduation within 1 year (2 years considered).
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with Word, Excel, and Outlook is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work with engineer mentors in the design team and take ownership of project portions.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to develop complete design packages.
• Develop time management, communication, and CAD drafting skills.
• Apply engineering concepts to real projects on challenging assignments.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Intern

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high‑impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

Here at Salas O’Brien Inc., you will obtain invaluable hands‑on technical experience that you cannot learn in a classroom. Our engineers will help you to apply your textbook knowledge and create solutions for real engineering challenges. You will gain practical experience by working with experienced engineering and technical professionals and participating in challenging engineering projects.

In This Role

In this role you will have the opportunity work with engineer mentors in the design team and take ownership of portions of various projects. You will also work in coordination with other engineering disciplines and learn how a complete design package is developed. Work tasks will vary and require flexibility and desire for diversity in the engineering field. You will acquire time management, communication, and CAD drafting skills, as well as have the chance to apply engineering concepts.

You Will Be a Great Fit If

• You are currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering program at a four‑year ABET university or college with preferred targeted graduation date within 1 year (preferred). Will consider interns who are graduating within 2 years, depending on our needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You have experience with Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• You are well organized and can effectively manage work and academic responsibilities simultaneously.

Location: Chicago, IL – 100%, On‑Site

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.

Mechanical Engineering Intern

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high‑impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

Here at Salas O’Brien Inc., you will obtain invaluable hands‑on technical experience that you cannot learn in a classroom. Our engineers will help you to apply your textbook knowledge and create solutions for real engineering challenges. You will gain practical experience by working with experienced engineering and technical professionals and participating in challenging engineering projects.

In This Role

In this role you will have the opportunity work with engineer mentors in the design team and take ownership of portions of various projects. You will also work in coordination with other engineering disciplines and learn how a complete design package is developed. Work tasks will vary and require flexibility and desire for diversity in the engineering field. You will acquire time management, communication, and CAD drafting skills, as well as have the chance to apply engineering concepts.

You Will Be a Great Fit If

• You are currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering program at a four‑year ABET university or college with preferred targeted graduation date within 1 year (preferred). Will consider interns who are graduating within 2 years, depending on our needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You have experience with Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• You are well organized and can effectively manage work and academic responsibilities simultaneously.

Location: Chicago, IL – 100%, On‑Site

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.