Civil Engineer Intern

Pape-Dawson; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers seeks Civil Engineer Interns for Summer 2027 across Tennessee offices including Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin and Murfreesboro. Interns support project teams under a licensed P.E., assisting with design tasks on land development projects.

You'll gain hands-on experience with design tools, technical documentation, and project coordination in a collaborative engineering environment, under supervision, while developing core civil engineering skills.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS in Civil or Agricultural Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Familiarity with engineering principles and procedures.
• Basic proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Adaptable and flexible with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers with plans, specs and cost estimates under supervision.
• Develop design alternatives by analyzing parameters and constraints.
• Use AutoCAD Civil 3D to produce drawings and supporting documents.
• Support technical reports and engineering studies.

Skills

Engineering principles

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Agricultural Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Job Description

Pape-Dawson is seeking Civil Engineer Interns in our Tennessee offices for the summer of 2027 focusing on land development. The available locations are Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. The Engineer Intern supports project teams under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), assisting with design tasks on a variety of infrastructure projects within residential or commercial land development. This entry-level role provides hands‑on experience with design tools, technical documentation, and project coordination within a collaborative engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist project managers and engineers in preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates under supervision
• Develop and evaluate design alternatives by analyzing basic engineering parameters, project objectives, and constraints
• Analyze key design features to ensure alignment with project purpose, technical requirements, and applicable standards
• Utilize computer‑aided engineering and design software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D) to produce drawings, exhibits, and supporting documents
• Support the preparation of technical reports, memoranda, and engineering studies using company‑approved formats
• Participate in site visits, field activities, construction observation, and data collection as assigned
• Assist with redlines, submittals, preparation of exhibits, and record (as‑built) drawings
• Engage in progressively more complex design tasks as experience, proficiency, and technical understanding develop
• Assist in the design and preparation of plans for residential, commercial, and site development projects, including grading, drainage, and utility layouts
• Evaluate site constraints and design alternatives to support constructability and compliance with project requirements.
• Support permitting and coordination activities related to land development projects
• Additional related duties as needed

Pape-Dawson’s Tennessee office, formerly RaganSmith, was founded in 1933 as a land surveying company. More than nine decades later, we have grown into an interdisciplinary consulting firm of experienced civil engineers, landscape architects, transportation experts, savvy surveyors, and brilliant land planners serving the private and public sectors. In 2024, RaganSmith joined the Pape-Dawson family of companies. Pape-Dawson is an industry‑leading, future‑focused civil engineering and professional services firm with nationwide locations.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil or Agricultural Engineering from an ABET‑accredited college or university
• Familiarity with engineering principles, practices, and procedures
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Adaptable and flexible in managing shifting priorities and deadlines

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.