Summer Intern - Sustainable Engineering

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) invites applications for its Summer Internship Program, open to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in architecture, structural and sustainable engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design. The program runs June 7, 2027 through August 13, 2027, with in-person and virtual learning opportunities and world-class design projects.

Applicants must plan to return to school in Fall 2027, submit a portfolio, and demonstrate strong

Qualifications

• Current student returning Fall 2027 in architecture/engineering/environmental design.
• Strong design capabilities demonstrated in portfolio or work samples.
• Some experience in sustainable design practice.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino and visualization software.
• Experience in energy modeling and hourly simulations (e.g., E-Plus, DOE-2/eQuest, IES VE).
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Skills

Strong design capabilities

Team communication

Education

Current student in accredited bachelor’s or master’s program in architecture/engineering/environmental building design

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Rhino

Visualization software

Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Summer Internship Program Overview

The Summer Internship Program is open to applicants who are planning careers in architecture, structural & sustainable engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design. Spend the summer learning from experts in all of our design disciplines, building your design and visualization skills and contributing to world class design projects. Summer Interns participate in a wide range of in-person and virtual learning opportunities and events. SOM's Summer Internship Program will run from June 7, 2027 until August 13, 2027.

Desired skills and expertise

• Current student in an accredited bachelor’s program or master’s degree program in architecture, engineering or environmental building design or related field of study and returning to school in the Fall of 2027.
• Strong design capabilities as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples.
• Some experience in sustainable design practice.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino and visualization software.
• Experience in energy modeling, human comfort study, daylighting analysis, glare study, water calculations, thyroid party sustainability certifications (examples: E-Plus, DOE-2 (eQuest), IES Virtual Environment or other detailed hourly simulation).
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Reminders

You must be returning to school in Fall 2027 to be considered for a summer internship at SOM. Applicants who do not submit work samples will not be reviewed. Application deadline is January 18, 2027. Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $30/per hour to $32/per hour.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action.

Working at SOM

Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups. SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.

Our Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package is built to support many facets of your well-being—your health, your financial future, and your continued professional growth. We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance. We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off. We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.

Notice to Applicants

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.