Civil Engineer Intern

papedawson; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers is seeking Civil Engineer Interns in our Tennessee offices for the summer of 2027, focusing on land development. Locations include Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Murfreesboro.

The Intern will work under a licensed P.E., assisting with design tasks on residential and commercial land development projects. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience with design tools, technical documentation, and project coordination in a collaborative environment,

Qualifications

• Pursuing B.S. in Civil or Agricultural Engineering at ABET-accredited school.
• Fundamental engineering principles, practices and procedures.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Word, and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Able to work independently and in teams with shifting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist project teams in preparing plans, specs, and cost estimates.
• Develop design alternatives by analyzing parameters and constraints.
• Use AutoCAD Civil 3D to produce drawings and documents.
• Support technical reports and engineering studies.
• Participate in site visits, field activities, and data collection.
• Assist with redlines, submittals, and as-built drawings.
• Engage in progressively more complex design tasks.
• Assist in residential and commercial site development plans.
• Evaluate site constraints to support constructability.
• Support permitting and coordination activities.

Skills

Engineering principles

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Agricultural Engineering

ABET-accredited program

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Microsoft Word

Excel

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

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

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.

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.