Passive House Internship

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 plays a role in supporting the High Performance Building Solutions (HPBS) team as they quality, high performance, Passive House and net zero designs that reduce energy use, and lower carbon emissions for our clients. Interns will contribute to real projects, gaining hands-on exposure to how sustainability goals are translated to practical design and constructions strategies. Interns will develop foundational skills in building science and energy analysis while helping advance projects that have environmental impact.

DETAILS:

- This is an hourly paid internship. The proposed hourly range 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 hour) from June 1st, 2026, through August 14th, 2026.

- Office Location – this position can be based in:

- Norwalk, CT

- NYC

- Somerville, MA

Responsibilities: Support the HPBS team with modeling tasks including but not limited to:

- Perform area takeoffs from architectural drawings to support energy modeling, material quantities and performance calculations.

- Assist with thermal bridge modeling and analysis to help identify heat loss pathways and inform design strategies that improve envelope performance.

- Support utility analysis, reviewing energy consumption trends to help establish baselines and evaluate performance outcomes.

- Contribute to Passive House and net zero analysis, assisting with energy models, documentation and performance metrics under the guidance of senior team members.

Qualifications:

- Pursuing or completing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related science discipline.

- 0-2 years of relevant work experience.

- Familiar with Building Science principles.

- Prior experience with building energy, envelope and / or HVAC systems.

- Experience with 3D modeling software (ie: Sketchup or Rhino).

- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel and Outlook).

Preferred Knowledge:

- Coursework or experience in passive house standards, net zero projects or high-performance residential construction.

- PHPP, WUFI Passive or THERM software.

- Utility billing analysis and energy savings spreadsheet calculations.

- 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 1-2 rounds of interviews for this position.

- If you have 75% of the required skills and experience with a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply with a cover letter outlining interest.

- Steven Winter Associates is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, SWA will take steps to assure that people with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand.

The employee may be required to lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: N/A

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Recent hires may be required to work in-office five days per week, with potential for a flexible schedule after necessary training and supervisor approval; all team members are generally expected in the office at least four days per week, with flexibility based on job duties and site work.

EEO AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI)

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 of 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.