Part Time Building Performance Intern - Winter 2025 - Portland Office

Who We Are 

We are a firm that values and respects our staff, fosters an environment that encourages learning and growth, and is committed to the success of our clients. 

At PAE, we like to think of ourselves as a little bit different from most engineering firms. Here’s why: 

• We care intensely about envisioning and creating sustainable building systems and work every day to break new ground in the world of sustainable design. 
• We have a close affinity to the visions of the architects we work with; we understand the need for beauty as well as practicality. 
• We value creativity as much as we value precision. 
• We understand that the visionary people we want to hire need to experience the world in order to change the world, and we work hard to support that need. 

About The Internship 

This winter, we’re excited to offer a Building Performance Internship in partnership with the Energy Trust. This position is part of a grant awarded to PAE by the Energy Trust, aimed at advancing sustainable engineering practices. The primary focus of this internship will be on MEP 2040 reporting. You’ll lead the creation of a comprehensive MEP 2040 database for PAE projects, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative design.

This role is part of a cohort of interns at various firms in the same program, and it will culminate with a presentation to the Energy Trust on April 3rd.

Program Details:

• Duration: 10 to 12 weeks, January 6th - March 31st
• Commitment: 10-15 hours per week, part-time, paid position
• Experience: Learn about the building design industry from both a traditional and a uniquely PAE perspective
• Location: PAE's Portland Office 

This internship offers a unique opportunity to work directly on impactful sustainability initiatives while building connections with peers across the industry.

Additional Duties:

• CAD and Revit
• Energy modeling
• Design calculations
• Weather and climatic data gathering, support on eco-charrettes
• Energy and water data (EUI, WUI) analysis

What You Bring

• 3rd year undergraduate student preferred
• Desire to work in the Building Design industry
• Passionate about sustainable design solutions and MEP 2040
• Effective communicator
• Detail oriented 

PAE offers Interns the following benefits: 

• Commuter benefit stipend 
• Paid time off for sick leave, community service and holidays
• The opportunity to be involved in PAE Committees

Our commitment to pay equity 

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: https://just.living-future.org/s/organizations/20-organizations/pae  

To find out more visit our website: https://www.pae-engineers.com/values 

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment where dogs/pets may be present. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.

What We’re Made Of 

Established in 1967 and stretching across five offices on the West Coast, PAE provides services in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). We work with clients to design the nation’s highest performing and most regenerative built environments that keep people comfortable, healthy, and productive inside while restoring the natural world outside. We employ an integrated and responsive approach to project design that balances the environmental, economic, and social goals of every client we work with. 

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water. 

Fine Print 

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training. 

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