Geotechnical Intern- Summer 2027

About the role

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

The Geotechnical Engineering Internship is designed to bridge your classroom knowledge with hands‑on experience in the field and laboratory. Over 10 weeks, you’ll gain practical exposure to geotechnical investigations, soil sampling, classification, and data collection while learning how engineers evaluate subsurface conditions and support successful construction projects. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, participate in field activities, and see how geotechnical principles are applied to real‑world projects.

Career Development

By completing this internship, you’ll gain hands‑on experience with geotechnical field and laboratory practices, soil sampling and classification, boring logs, and technical documentation. You’ll develop a stronger understanding of how subsurface conditions influence design and construction while building valuable technical and professional skills. You’ll also gain experience working as part of an engineering team, following quality and safety standards, and contributing to projects from the field to the final report. This experience will help prepare you for a career in geotechnical engineering, construction, or consulting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with soil classifications and boring log creation using AutoCAD.
• Collect field samples with a hand auger and update boring logs.
• Organize, label, and log material samples in accordance with quality‑assurance standards.
• Maintain accurate and detailed field and lab reports.
• Calibrate and clean testing equipment as required.
• Adhere to company and safety protocols at all times.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Capstone Project

At the end of the internship, you’ll complete a specialized capstone project that pulls together your field and lab experiences into a formal presentation for department leadership. This deliverable will highlight your technical and analytical skills—and provide a résumé‑ready example of your ability to apply engineering principles in practice.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.
• Strong academic foundation in engineering principles, with interest in applied fieldwork and testing.
• Effective communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS, or engineering software is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Ability to adapt to a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.
• Professionalism and eagerness to learn.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel up to 10%, primarily for off‑site meetings, training sessions, or company events.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris. Moderate to loud noise levels are present due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments. Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions occurs as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and carry between 35 lb and 75 lb over distances up to 75 ft, stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods, and perform repetitive motions such as bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, pulling, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and pushing. Vision, hearing, smell, and tactile senses must be functional for safe field and lab work, often while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The role also involves extended periods at a desk using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment, with occasional lifting of office materials up to 15 lb and regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders both in person and via virtual platforms.