Geotechnical Engineering Intern

About the role

Westwood Professional Services is seeking a Geotechnical Intern to support subsurface investigations and foundation design for utility-scale wind, solar, and battery energy storage projects. The position offers hands-on experience applying geotechnical engineering coursework to real-world renewable energy infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include assisting Senior Engineers with soil boring logging, laboratory testing, geotechnical report preparation, and foundation design recommendations using industry-standard tools such as LPILE and Settle3. The role provides exposure to ASTM, ASCE, and IBC standards in geotechnical evaluation and involves coordination with internal and external teams across renewable energy projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field subsurface investigations, including soil boring logging, cone penetrometer testing, and test pit excavation observation.
• Support laboratory soil testing, including classification, moisture content, and strength testing, under the guidance of Senior Engineers.
• Help develop foundation design recommendations for wind turbine, solar racking, and BESS foundations using tools such as LPILE and Settle3.
• Assist in the preparation of geotechnical data reports and boring logs using software such as gINT.
• Actively coordinate with internal and external team members across renewable energy projects to ensure effective communication and project progress.
• Travel to project sites as necessary to observe field investigations and interface directly with drilling crews and clients.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program, preferably in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical emphasis.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, management, and design team members.
• Willingness to learn in a flexible, cross-disciplinary work environment.
• Willingness to attend site visits and perform work in outdoor field conditions on occasion, including at active drilling sites.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant industry experience through engineering coursework projects or prior internships in geotechnical engineering or subsurface exploration.
• Experience with technical software including gINT, LPILE, Settle3, or other relevant geotechnical engineering tools.