Building Systems Internship at Steven Winter Associates – New York, New York

Work Authorization Notice: We're only able to hire a candidate with current, valid U.S. work authorization. This role does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Why This Internship Matters: This internship is part of our Building Operations, Decarbonization & Efficiency (BODE) team based in our New York City office. Interns will support the team by assisting with onsite inspections of newly installed HVAC equipment, contributing to energy audits and whole-building decarbonization studies, and helping document and communicate technical findings to internal team members and project partners.

DETAILS:

• This is an hourly paid internship. The proposed hourly rate for this position is $20.00 based on a 40-hour work schedule.
• Required Dates: Qualified candidates MUST be available for a full-time work week (40 hours) from May 18th, 2026, through August 7th, 2026.
• Office Location – New York City

Responsibilities:

• Perform tasks related to utility benchmarking, energy auditing, and retro-commissioning for existing buildings.
• With Senior Engineers, identify energy- and carbon-saving strategies and develop savings calculations.
• Inspect and test installations of building equipment, including terminal unit function and commissioning.
• Prepare technical and non-technical reports for program compliance and review.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including building owners, project managers, developers, architects, engineers, energy modelers, sustainability & accessibility consultants, contractors, and consultants.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing or completed bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related science discipline.
• 0-2 years of related work experience.
• Prior experience with building HVAC systems. Examples of prior experience may include a past internship (preferred, but not required), school coursework, or a college/university project.
• Familiarity with Energy Code and/or ASHRAE standards.

How to Apply:

• This internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates; Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or university and be graduating in the Spring/Summer semester of 2026 or by Spring/Summer of 2027.
• To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
• Applications will be accepted through February 6, 2026. Resume review will begin once the application portal is closed.
• We will be conducting one round of hour-long interviews for this position.
• If you have 75% of the required skills and experience with a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply.
• Steven Winter Associates is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, SWA will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Physical Requirements: This role requires frequent sitting, walking, typing, handling, reaching, and talking or hearing. Occasional standing is required. In the field, the employee may lift up to 40 pounds, climb stairs, and work in typical construction site conditions. Vision requirements include close, distance, and color vision, with the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements: Overnight travel may be required (Less than 10%). Local field visits throughout NY Metro may be necessary (estimated at 40%).

Working Environment: Approximately 60% of the duties will be performed in an office environment. The remainder of the duties will be performed in the field (or virtually) which will involve trips to projects sites for observation and training.

SWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): SWA is a workplace where we are aware and welcoming of the ways in which we are all diverse as evidenced by a culture of listening and understanding. We endeavor to create a workplace where people feel empowered to act; a safe place where people are open to discussing different views; ongoing education opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to build a culture of belonging and accountability.

What to Know: Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) is a proud employee-owned firm that’s been transforming the built environment for over 50 years. Our mission is to make buildings and communities more sustainable, energy efficient, accessible, healthy, and resilient. Working with architects, engineers, developers, owners, and managers, our team of consultants is always pushing boundaries, collaborating, and problem-solving to deliver solutions that benefit people and the planet.