Plumbing & Fire Protection Intern - Washington, DC - Summer 2027

Buro Happold; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay

Hybrid work

Global network

Learning programs

ERGs

Job summary

Join Buro Happold as a Plumbing and Fire Protection Intern, contributing to sustainable engineering solutions. You will support the design team, gain hands-on experience in system design and BIM modeling, and participate in site visits on building projects.

You'll work with a multidisciplinary team, develop technical communication, and grow within an inclusive, flexible environment that values learning and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical, fire protection, civil, sanitary, environmental or architectural engineering.
• Coursework in mechanical design, heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid hydraulics/dynamics.
• Familiarity with BIM modeling software, such as Revit and AutoCAD.
• Internship experience at engineering related firm beneficial, and proven interest in the built environment and sustainable design practices.
• Ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas in an accessible manner.
• Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of plumbing and fire protection systems under the supervision of a senior engineer.
• Contribute to Revit/BIM modeling of construction drawings from schematic design through construction administration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project coordination.
• Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions and observe progress during construction.
• Ensure service and project work are carried out to an excellent standard and quality.

Skills

Mechanical design

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid hydraulics

BIM modeling

Education

Engineering degree pursuit

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Start designing tomorrow’s future!

Buro Happold is seeking a motivated and collaborative Plumbing and Fire Protection Intern to join our team and contribute to innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

As a Plumbing and Fire Protection Intern, you will work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, gaining hands‑on experience while contributing to impactful projects that shape communities, advance sustainability, and support the global effort to address climate change.

Learn more about Plumbing and Fire Protection Engineering at Buro Happold

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional .

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a moreequitableworld. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you,it’llbe anything but ordinary.

Your next role

Join us and be surrounded by exceptional opportunities in an environment alive with innovation and possibility. Your new team has a willingness and curiosity to see possibility and potential in everything – from the most iconic projects to our everyday conversations.

Your key duties

As a Plumbing and Fire Protection Intern, you will support the engineering team in designing,modeling,and collaborating with other team members for various building projects. This internship offers hands‑on experience in system design, BIM modeling, sitevisits,and exposure to industry standards and codes. In return,we’llhelp you meet your goals, respect your ideas, and foster your creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

• Assistin the design of plumbing and fire protection systems under the supervision of a senior engineer
• Contribute to Revit/BIM modeling of construction drawings from schematic design through construction administration
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project coordination
• Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions and observe progress during construction
• Ensure service and project work are carried out to an excellent standard and quality

Your Skills And Experience

• Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical, fire protection, civil, sanitary, environmental or architectural engineering
• Coursework in mechanical design, heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid hydraulics/dynamics
• Familiarity with BIM modeling software, such as Revit and AutoCAD
• Internship experience at engineering relatedfirmbeneficial, and proven interest in the built environment and sustainable design practices
• Ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas in an accessible manner
• Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements

Whatweoffer

• Hourly rate of $24 to $34 per hour depending on level of education and geographic location
• Hybrid working & summer hours
• Connection to global network of experts on the forefront of industry initiatives
• Access to wide ranging learning and development opportunities
• Connect with colleagues and build your network through our Employee Resource Groups, including the Young Employees Forum, Diversity & Inclusion Forum, Women's Forum, Wellness Committee, and Black at Buro Happold

Ready for something a little less ordinary?

Learn more about our office locations

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you.