Facilities Engineering Intern
Summary
The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Hispanic Serving and premier public research university that advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service.
The division of Business Affairs provides key support for UTSA's strategic goals and destinations, ensuring the success of the university's academic and research enterprise. Business Affairs is centered on reaching four key destinations:
- Operations and Finance - continually innovate and provide exemplary service.
- Inspiring Workplace- cultivate a compassionate, inspiring and empowering workplace.
- Campus Environment- curate, expand and enhance infrastructure while fostering a safe and welcoming campus environment.
- Engagement and Community- connect with the community through engagement and open communication.
The department of Facilities supports the university by providing maintenance, repair, upkeep, remodeling, alterations and additions to all university physical facilities. This includes general structures, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as roads, grounds, landscape, hardscape and equipment and modular furniture systems.
Day-to-day building operations also include essential services such as providing utilities and emergency power at designated facilities, operation of central heating and cooling plants and 24-hour, first response to facility-related issues.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current UTSA student in good academic standing
- Preferred majors: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
- Junior, Senior, or Masters
- Pass a Criminal Background Check
- Basic knowledge of commercial building systems
Learning Objectives
Through guided experiential learning, the intern will be able to:
- Compose and articulate clear, effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Use critical thinking to identify and respond to situational challenges.
- Collaborate with stakeholders.
- Prioritize responsibilities and respond to constructive feedback.
- Develop leadership skills to promote organizational goals.
- Demonstrate professional and effective work habits.
- Build collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals.
- Leverage technologies to enhance efficiency, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
Responsibilities
Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Vice President of Facilities, the intern will:
- Develop basic analyses of HVAC and mechanical system performance, including heat transfer evaluations of steam piping, coils, and related equipment.
- Compose detailed documentation and reports for HVAC maintenance and repair activities, including summaries of work performed, materials used, and supporting photographs.
- Report on system performance findings, including airflow measurements, filtration effectiveness (MERV ratings), and deviations from expected operating conditions.
- Produce airflow calculations and system performance checks for air handling units (AHUs), comparing results against design specifications, motor speeds, and VFD operating frequencies.
- Create organized project documentation such as preventative maintenance (PM) checklists, equipment inventories, and standardized procedures to support campus facilities operations.
- Analyze system efficiency and operational productivity by reviewing equipment performance data and identifying opportunities for improved effectiveness and reliability.
- Participate in hands-on inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repair support for HVAC systems and related infrastructure within campus facilities.
- Assist with facility assessments and data collection efforts to support ongoing maintenance programs and capital improvement planning.
- Complete assigned projects that can be achieved within the internship duration, such as developing a PM checklist, conducting an airflow study for a specific building, or evaluating filtration upgrades for selected air handling units.
Schedule and Work Modality
The Summer 2026 internship will be facilitated On Campus for a minimum of 20 hours a week for 8 weeks.
Benefits
- Gain hands-on experience applying engineering principles within a campus facilities and operations environment, including HVAC systems, airflow analysis, and preventative maintenance programs.
- Develop familiarity with industry-relevant tools, systems, and technologies such as air handling units (AHUs), building automation systems (BAS), and filtration standards (e.g., MERV ratings).
- Explore career pathways in facilities engineering, asset management, and higher education operations while working alongside experienced professionals.
- Build practical skills in technical documentation, data collection, system analysis, and performance reporting.
- Receive exposure to professional development opportunities, including mentorship, safety training, and operational best practices in facilities management.
- Eligibility for Summer Internship course credit hours