Smart Building Intern (Summer 2026)

Cannon Design
flexible benefit account, paid time off, 401(k), remote work
United States, New Jersey, Iselin
Sep 24, 2025
If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Smart Building Intern, you'll learn how to think like a systems engineer in the context of building technology. You'll work with consultants and project managers to connect requirements, integration needs, and performance outcomes across multiple disciplines, including IT networks, building management systems, workplace applications, and sustainability analytics. This internship offers exposure to the full lifecycle of smart building systems: from design and specification, through procurement and integration, to testing and operational optimization. Based on business needs, this position has the potential to evolve into a full-time entry-level role for students who meet the required qualifications. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL DO Assist in preparing requirements, Basis of Design (BoD) documents, and integration specifications. Research and summarize emerging smart building technologies and system architectures. Support the development of use cases, KPIs, and system performance measures. Contribute to system diagrams, interface definitions, and data flow documentation. Help review vendor documentation, bids, and technical submittals. Assist with coordination across multiple disciplines (IT, MEP, AV, security, workplace apps). Document activities during testing, commissioning, and user acceptance. Collaborate across the firm to help drive value and impactful solutions. Foster a commitment to excellence in service delivery and continuous improvement. May perform other duties as required. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED Rising junior or senior in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Systems Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, Technology, or related field. GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred. Interest in systems integration, lifecycle engineering, and technology-enabled environments. Familiarity with building or infrastructure systems (e.g., BMS, AV, access control, networks) a plus. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); exposure to Power BI, AutoCAD, Revit, or data visualization tools is a plus. Curiosity about emerging technologies, human-centered design, and system optimization. Ability to manage multiple tasks while working collaboratively in a team environment. The salary range for this position is $22.50 to $26.50 per hour. This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses. We offer a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage and flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options and a 401k plan and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits. Actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level. ABOUT OUR FIRM As part of CannonDesign's industry-leading consulting family, The Clarient Group is a leader in Smart Building consulting. We bring asystems engineering approachto buildings - aligning IT, operational technology, and human experience to create integrated environments that deliver performance, sustainability, and long-term value. Our projects spancommercial office, healthcare, science & technology, education, and civic environments, where we design and deliver smart building strategies, integration frameworks, and data-driven solutions. ABOUT WORKING HERE We are a start-up culture in an established firm: nimble, energetic, innovative and fun. We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about. We are committed to ensuring our practice provides equal opportunities for all employees, as we strive to connect with communities around us and focus on the future of design. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts that benefit all employees through the leadership of our DEI Council, our Employee Resource Groups which are open to everyone, and other community initiatives. We're about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we're ready for you. Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying. As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct. CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. It is also CannonDesign's policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.