2027 Civil Engineer Internship

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers in Northern California is seeking a Civil Engineering Intern for Summer 2027. You will work with senior engineers on active projects, contributing to planning, design, and construction stages, and gaining real-world exposure.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, field visits, teamwork, and development of professional skills in a collaborative, in-office environment based in San Francisco or Roseville.

Qualifications

• We are seeking a motivated civil engineering student eager to learn and contribute.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with coursework completed.
• Known foundational Civil Engineering principles and willingness to learn new tools.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and Civil 3D through coursework or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication with good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and preparation of civil engineering plans, exhibits, calculations.
• Assist with site planning, grading, drainage, stormwater, utilities, and other tasks.
• Use AutoCAD and Civil 3D to prepare and update drawings and plans.
• Gather project information and support engineering decisions.
• Participate in project meetings and internal coordination.
• Assist with field visits to observe site conditions and document findings.
• Collaborate with engineers and project team on diverse assignments.
• Learn how design decisions connect to goals, clients, and schedules.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Organization

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Civil Engineering degree (Bachelor's or Master's)

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com .

Job Description

Our Northern California Civil team is seeking a Civil Engineering Intern for Summer 2027. This internship provides meaningful, hands-on experience within a consulting engineering environment.

You will work alongside experienced civil engineers on active projects and learn how projects progress from early planning and analysis through design and construction. You will contribute to real project work, receive guidance from team members, and gain a better understanding of a career in civil engineering consulting.

Specific assignments will vary based on project needs, allowing you to build a well-rounded foundation and connect concepts from the classroom to practical engineering challenges.

As a Civil Engineering Intern, you may:

• Support the design and preparation of civil engineering plans, exhibits, calculations, and technical documentation
• Assist with site planning, grading, drainage, stormwater, utility, and other civil infrastructure design tasks
• Use AutoCAD and Civil 3D to prepare and update drawings and design plans
• Conduct research and gather project information needed to support engineering decisions
• Participate in project meetings, design discussions, and internal coordination
• Assist with field visits to observe site conditions and support project documentation
• Collaborate with engineers and other project team members across a variety of assignments
• Learn how technical design decisions connect to project goals, client needs, schedules, and construction considerations
• Contribute ideas and ask questions while developing your technical knowledge and professional skills

Qualifications

We are seeking a motivated civil engineering student who is curious, dependable, and eager to learn. Minimum qualifications include:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university or college. Undergraduate candidates should have completed at least two years of engineering coursework and be entering their junior year or beyond by Summer 2027.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in civil engineering consulting and learning through exposure to a variety of project types.
• Foundational knowledge of civil engineering principles
• General familiarity with AutoCAD and Civil 3D through coursework, prior employment, or other project experience
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage responsibilities, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through on assignments
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment
• Willingness to learn new tools, technical concepts, and project-delivery processes
• Prior internship or professional engineering experience is not required.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
• Ability to actively work on a computer for several hours per day and communicate by telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items weighing up to 15 pounds.
• This is a full-time, in-person internship based in either our San Francisco or Roseville office. Interns are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week, onsite five days per week, with flexible work hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Occasional project-site visits may require walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.
• Interns must comply with all applicable office and job-site safety requirements.

Culture

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and shared values, ensuring your accomplishments are celebrated and your career trajectory is in your hands. At KPFF, we're not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the stage to leave a lasting mark on pioneering projects.

Compensation

The salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, education, and skills. The expected rate for a qualified candidate is $23-$25 per hour.

This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Work Authorization: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or transfer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored visa support now or in the future.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.