Mechanical Engineer Intern

Thank you for your interest in interning with McKinstry!

We are proud and excited to offer summer internships for 2026 across several of our different office locations and are currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer Intern to join our Engineering team in Seattle, WA. Our teams focus on projects including small and fast energy retrofits, data centers, large-scale new construction, and strategic decarbonization efforts for campuses.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

Our B.L.U.E. (Build, Learn, Understand, Enrich) Summer Internship Program is purposefully designed to inspire your imagination and help you guide your career with purpose. You’ll be an integral part of McKinstry with hands-on experience, mentorship and a healthy dose of fun. Our program delivers depth and real experience so that you can truly evaluate potential career paths within the work we do.

What we look for in our Mechanical Engineer Interns:

• Must be pursuing or have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering or a related field. Junior student standing or higher required.
• Availability in Summer 2026 (May/June start until August/September, depending on school); part-time work after the summer is possible
• Demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, including heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
• Strong interest and skills around sustainability, particularly as it relates to energy, carbon, indoor environmental quality, and water
• Knowledge of the building industry and construction is preferred.
• BIM and/or modeling skills in Revit or Rhino is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

What are our Mechanical Engineer Interns responsible for:

• Performing engineering calculations to support mechanical design and equipment selection, including thermal load analyses, hydronic calculations, and fan pressure calculations
• Designing and coordinating HVAC systems and components
• Sustainable design analyses supporting system and equipment selection as well as sustainability certification such as LEED and ILFI. These can include energy, carbon, and water studies
• Energy and carbon analysis to develop decarbonization and building electrification strategies
• Provide engineering support for construction activities.
• Project and departmental research activities
• May include local travel and site visits

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to work with our team to help solve the critical problems our industry and clients face, we invite you to apply.

The hourly rate for this role is $24/hr.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.