CPT Building Mechanic Jobs
Building Mechanic CPT positions let F-1 students apply hands-on maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical skills in real facilities while earning academic credit. Your DSO must authorize each CPT job before your start date, and the work must tie directly to your enrolled program of study.
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PAE is seeking a motivated and inquisitive Building Performance/Regenerative Design Intern to join our team in any one of our major office locations, including: San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Portland, OR and Los Angeles, CA.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
About The Program
Our internship program provides hands-on experience in sustainable engineering design. The 10 to 12 week paid program gives interns the opportunity to learn about the building design industry from a traditional viewpoint, and to learn the PAE and LUMA way. We have internships in the areas of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting design, regenerative design, and building systems technology design.
Interns here work directly as part of our engineering and design teams. From small retrofits to high-profile Living Buildings, you'll gain an understanding of the entire design process - the planning, the execution, and the problem solving.
- Utilize Revit for analysis
- Energy modeling
- Design calculations
- Energy analysis of HVAC and plumbing systems
- Weather and climatic data gathering
- Eco-charrette support
- Energy and water data (EUI, WUI) analysis
What You Bring
- 3rd year undergraduate student preferred
- Civil, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering major
- Desire to work in the Building Design industry
- Passionate about sustainable design solutions
- Effective Communicator
What We Offer
- Hourly base rate: $24.00 - $25.00
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered.
PAE Offers Interns the Following Benefits:
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Paid time off for sick leave, community service and holidays
- The opportunity to be involved in PAE Committees
- This is an on-site intern position based in one of our local offices
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: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.
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.
LI-hybrid
The Opportunity
PAE is seeking a motivated and inquisitive Building Performance/Regenerative Design Intern to join our team in any one of our major office locations, including: San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Portland, OR and Los Angeles, CA.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
About The Program
Our internship program provides hands-on experience in sustainable engineering design. The 10 to 12 week paid program gives interns the opportunity to learn about the building design industry from a traditional viewpoint, and to learn the PAE and LUMA way. We have internships in the areas of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting design, regenerative design, and building systems technology design.
Interns here work directly as part of our engineering and design teams. From small retrofits to high-profile Living Buildings, you'll gain an understanding of the entire design process - the planning, the execution, and the problem solving.
- Utilize Revit for analysis
- Energy modeling
- Design calculations
- Energy analysis of HVAC and plumbing systems
- Weather and climatic data gathering
- Eco-charrette support
- Energy and water data (EUI, WUI) analysis
What You Bring
- 3rd year undergraduate student preferred
- Civil, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering major
- Desire to work in the Building Design industry
- Passionate about sustainable design solutions
- Effective Communicator
What We Offer
- Hourly base rate: $24.00 - $25.00
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered.
PAE Offers Interns the Following Benefits:
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Paid time off for sick leave, community service and holidays
- The opportunity to be involved in PAE Committees
- This is an on-site intern position based in one of our local offices
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: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.
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.
LI-hybrid
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Get Access To All JobsBuilding Mechanic CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Building Mechanic work qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if the role is an integral part of your enrolled program and your DSO approves it. Programs in facilities management, mechanical engineering technology, or building systems technology are the most direct fit. Your school determines academic relevance, so the job description must show a clear connection to your coursework, not just general labor or routine maintenance unrelated to your degree.
Can I do CPT at a subcontracting firm or must it be a direct employer?
CPT authorization covers the actual employer on your I-20, which must be the entity supervising your work and issuing your paycheck. If you're placed through a staffing agency or subcontractor, the agency is typically listed as your CPT employer. Confirm with your DSO whether the staffing firm or the end client facility should be named, since a mismatch can invalidate your authorization.
What happens if my Building Mechanic CPT role requires a state trade license I don't yet hold?
CPT authorization doesn't require you to hold the license before starting, but your employer must comply with state law on who can perform licensed work. In most states, F-1 students can work under a licensed supervisor during training periods. Clarify with your employer and DSO that your role is structured as a supervised training position if you lack the required state credential.
How do I find Building Mechanic employers who understand CPT work authorization?
Search Migrate Mate to identify facilities employers with a track record of hiring F-1 students in trades and technical roles. Larger employers, such as university facilities departments, hospital systems, and commercial property management companies, typically have HR teams experienced with CPT I-20 verification and are less likely to withdraw offers due to unfamiliarity with your work authorization documents.
Does full-time Building Mechanic CPT count against my OPT eligibility?
Only if it exceeds 12 months of full-time CPT. Part-time CPT (under 20 hours per week) doesn't affect OPT regardless of duration. If you're doing full-time CPT across multiple semesters, track your cumulative months carefully. Exceeding 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, which closes off post-graduation work authorization and any cap-gap protection for future H-1B visa petitions.