Civil Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

CAGE Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

CAGE Engineering is seeking a Civil Engineer Intern in Chicago, IL to work on real client projects from day one. You will develop technical skills in Civil 3D and site design and build professional skills through trainings, with regular mentor check-ins and dedicated office hours.

Success means growth in technical abilities, contributions to projects, and a clearer view of a future with CAGE. This is a full‑time internship focused on hands‑on experience and learning.

Qualifications

• In current pursuit of a BS in Engineering from an accredited university.
• Familiarity with CAD.
• Focused, motivated, and results oriented.
• Strong desire to learn and advance one's technical skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and accept constructive criticism.
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and draft land development plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Support the production of design documents and calculations, including code and ordinance research, site planning, and stormwater management calculations.
• Help prepare preliminary and final construction documents, stormwater pollution prevention plans, and permit documents.
• Prepare site, grading, and utility plans that illustrate site developability based on learned constraints.
• Participate in meetings with internal and external clients to review concept plans and discuss project direction.
• Attend site visits to gather data used in design.
• Attend project team meetings to discuss timelines, budgets, and design constraints.
• Take part in CAGE's trainings on both technical and professional development topics.
• Meet regularly with your assigned mentor and attend office hours, dedicated time each week to meet one‑on‑one with CAGE leaders.

Skills

CAD familiarity

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Team-oriented

Strong communication

Education

Pursuing BS in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Description

CAGE Engineering is a respected leader in civil engineering, land surveying, and construction management, known for delivering practical, high-quality solutions tailored to each client's needs. Our land development work spans residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Our team is committed to excellence and integrity, and we offer a collaborative, supportive environment where team members can grow. Join us and become part of a company that values expertise, invests in its people, and drives projects that shape communities for the better.

Position Overview

As a Civil Engineer Intern with CAGE, you will join a design team working on real client projects from day one, no busy work. You will develop technical skills in Civil 3D and site design, and build professional skills like networking and organization, through a series of hands‑on trainings, and you will check in regularly with a mentor throughout the summer. You will also have office hours, time set aside each week for interns to meet one‑on‑one with CAGE leaders, ask questions, and get to know the people leading the company. Success in this role looks like steady growth in your technical skills, real contributions to your project team, and a strong sense of what a career at CAGE could look like.

Typical Reports To

Project Engineer

Typical Years of Experience

In current pursuit of a BS in Engineering from an accredited university; no prior professional experience required

Key Responsibilities

• Design and draft land development plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Support the production of design documents and calculations, including code and ordinance research, site planning, and stormwater management calculations
• Help prepare preliminary and final construction documents, stormwater pollution prevention plans, and permit documents
• Prepare site, grading, and utility plans that illustrate site developability based on learned constraints
• Participate in meetings with internal and external clients to review concept plans and discuss project direction
• Attend site visits to gather data used in design
• Attend project team meetings to discuss timelines, budgets, and design constraints
• Take part in CAGE's trainings on both technical and professional development topics
• Meet regularly with your assigned mentor and attend office hours, dedicated time each week to meet one‑on‑one with CAGE leaders

Necessary Qualifications

• In current pursuit of a BS in Engineering from an accredited university
• Familiarity with CAD
• Focused, motivated, and results oriented
• Strong desire to learn and advance one's technical skills
• Ability to learn quickly and accept constructive criticism
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills

Why CAGE?

At CAGE, we excel as problem solvers, prioritize cost‑conscious design, and deliver real value to our clients. We build strong relationships founded on trust and follow‑through, and we look for people who share our enthusiasm and work ethic. Our interns get more than a summer job. You will get hands‑on technical trainings led by our own engineers, non‑technical trainings covering professional skills like networking and organization, a mentor who checks in with you regularly throughout the summer, and office hours, dedicated time each week to sit down one‑on‑one with CAGE leaders, all while working on real projects that matter to our clients. We also believe work should be enjoyable, not just productive, so you will find a team that likes to have fun together along the way, from happy hours to summer intern events. If that sounds like you, we would love to meet you.

What We Offer

Professional Growth

• Technical trainings led by our own engineers, covering Civil 3D fundamentals, linework, labeling, sheet cutting, and land development and surveying
• Non‑technical trainings covering professional skills like networking and organization
• A mentor who checks in with you regularly throughout the summer
• Office hours: dedicated time each week set aside for interns to meet one‑on‑one with CAGE leaders
• Hands‑on experience working on real projects and visiting sites
• Full‑time advancement opportunities with clear career paths

Culture and Community

• Book club, happy hours, and social events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Inclusive, collaborative environment
• Chances to connect with teams across our national offices through lunch and learns and collaborative events

Rewarding Compensation

• Compensation: Starting at $25/hr
• The compensation provided is a general guideline. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and overall alignment with the role and company needs.

Location: IL - Chicago
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

CAGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from the CAGE team. Pre-approval is required before any external candidate can be submitted. CAGE is not responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes or for candidates sent directly to hiring managers.

EOE Statement

CAGE is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.