Civil Engineering Co-op - Spring 2027

SMEUSA; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Phone and vehicle provided

Boots and safety glasses reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

SME is seeking a Co-op student for a summer assignment beginning mid-May 2027, full-time through late November or early December 2027.

You will participate in orientation and on-the-job training with SME Team Members, working with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals to gain experience across geotechnical engineering, environmental remediation, pavement design, and materials evaluation.

Qualifications

• Some college or better in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Good driving record and able to lift 50–60 lbs.
• Able to work outdoors at construction sites in varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Support field construction quality control activities.
• Assist in evaluation of project materials (soils, concrete, asphalt, etc.).
• Collaborate with SME Team Members and contractors to ensure project specifications.
• Assist SME engineering staff with field evaluations and testing.

Skills

Computer literacy

Valid driver’s license

Physical fitness

Construction site safety

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Some college or better in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May 2027 and requires a commitment to work full-time though late November or early December 2027. There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.

Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real and you are an important part of the SME Team.

• Housing stipend,
• Company provided phone and vehicle,
• Work-boot and safety eye glass reimbursement,
• Paid Time off,

We are hiring Co-ops in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

Technical Skills Required:

• Basic Computer Literacy: Our Co-ops must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
• To be considered, you must have a good driving record and must be able to comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outside, at construction project sites, in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
• A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.

Preferred Behavioral Traits:

• Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is important when reviewing construction plans or other project documents. Ability to pay attention to the accuracy of details in reporting is a requirement.
• While specific in-field experience may not be required, we are looking for good problem-solvers. showcasing your ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is valuable.
• Time management: You must be able to showcase your ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for motivated self-starters, and punctual hard workers.
• Communication Skills: Co-ops are expected to have good written, organizational, and oral communication skills. Co-ops should demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Learning Attitude: Successful Co-ops demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
• Safety Minded: All SME Team Members demonstrate a focus on Safety in the work we do. Our Co-ops are expected to adhere to industry and SME safety standards and encourage safe work behaviors while on the job.

Responsibilities:

Your work will involve supporting field construction quality control activities. You will gain valuable experience in the assessment and evaluation of project materials including soils, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. You will work closely with SME Team Members and contractors to learn and assist in the adherence to project specifications. You may also assist SME engineering staff in performing field evaluations and quality control testing in the field. You will gain direct exposure to consulting engineering practices and have an opportunity to meet technical specialists in the areas of geotechnical engineering, environmental remediation, pavement design, and materials evaluation.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Some college or better in Civil Engineering or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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