Intern - Mechanical Design & Analysis (Summer 2026)

General Summary

GTI Energy, the nation's leading research and development and training organization serving energy markets, has an opportunity for an Intern in our Mechanical Design and Analysis team. The Mechanical Design and Analysis team serves three general functions: application of mechanical engineering principles through initial design concept to full commercial scale, supporting the development of new processes through applied testing, and providing design documentation to our clients. The qualified candidate will perform R&D functions, with supervision from senior technical staff, experimenting with a wide range of technologies and responsibilities.

Why GTI Energy?

GTI Energy embraces the power of innovation and collaboration to solve consequential energy challenges. By demonstrating continuous improvements in technology and solutions that lower the emissions and costs of energy, we will shape energy systems that decarbonize economies, protect our environment, and benefit the people they serve. We do this by putting people at the center of everything we do. We support and uplift people, ensuring they have the resources and confidence needed to live as their authentic selves and reach their full potential.

Being part of the GTI Energy team means being surrounded by people that are passionate and purpose driven, empowered to continuously learn, ask hard questions, and leverage their knowledge and experience to drive toward a greater purpose.

We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We prioritize and maintain a respectful culture, and we ensure reasonable accommodation is made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.

Work Location

The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday.

Primary Responsibilities

Working with Technicians, Project Engineers and Senior Engineers, the Intern will be expected to develop practical skills pertaining to design, setup, and execution of standard experimental test programs, contribute to analytical and simulation-based studies, and develop strong communication skills through communicating with Project Managers, internal stakeholders, and project partners and sponsors by various methods. The Intern is expected to take a systematic approach to handle multiple assignments, understand individual task goals and develop new competency areas as required to succeed in each task cycle. In this role, you may:

• Design, assemble, and commission experimental apparatuses intended to investigate the impacts and optimize use of various energy sources under the supervision of experienced engineering staff.
• Effectively collaborate with technician and engineering staff, including the development and maintenance of experimental documentation such as, but not limited to, mechanical drawings, standard operating procedures, and job safety analyses.
• Assist in execution of experimental and/or field investigations of a variety of energy systems, at bench-scale or full system-scale, while meeting project timelines within budget, and complying with all safety protocols.
• Perform basic thermodynamic, fluid dynamic, and heat transfer calculations.
• Analyze data and prepare project reporting for internal and external use.
• Develop technical expertise through strong written and presentation skills.
• Demonstrate internal and external customers are a high priority.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Deep interest in learning new skills and energy technology topics
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and energy conversions
• Individuals who are self-motivated and able to work independently with direction
• Excellent computer literacy

Education and Experience

• Currently in pursuit of a Bachelor or Graduate degree of Science in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or related Engineering discipline
• Your past educational and professional experiences in these areas are highly valued, but so are your personal abilities and willingness to learn. All candidates with the appropriate skill sets will be considered

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $17/hour - $28/hour USD annually. This salary range is GTI Energy's good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy's business or organizational needs and an individual's relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.

EEO Statement

GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at HumanResources@gti.energy and we'll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.