CMT and Geotechnical Internship - Summer 2027

UES; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

UES's internship program offers a 10-week rotation through geotechnical investigations, soils and concrete laboratory testing, and field testing. You will learn to document procedures, analyze results, and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality in construction projects.

You’ll complete a capstone project and gain practical, résumé-ready experience that sets you apart in engineering, construction materials testing, or geotechnical consulting.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.
• Strong engineering fundamentals with interest in fieldwork and testing.
• Effective communication and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical investigations and field drilling observations.
• Support soils and concrete laboratory testing and data analysis.
• Participate in field testing and documentation of procedures and results.
• Contribute to capstone project deliverables and technical presentations.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

This internship is designed to bridge your classroom knowledge with applied geotechnical and construction materials testing. Over 10 weeks, you’ll rotate through key focus areas—including field testing, laboratory analysis, and geotechnical investigations—so you can experience the full scope of how engineers and technicians ensure quality in construction projects. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how soils, concrete, and other materials behave in real-world conditions, as well as how testing and analysis directly impact project success.

Where This Can Take You

By completing this program, you’ll gain practical skills in both field and laboratory testing, professional exposure to geotechnical operations, and experience interacting with engineering teams. You’ll graduate from the internship with a capstone project, technical competencies, and industry insight that will set you apart as you pursue a career in engineering, construction materials testing, or geotechnical consulting.

Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Investigations: Learn how boring locations are identified, assist with underground utility coordination, and observe geotechnical drilling in action.
• Soils Laboratory Testing: Conduct Atterberg limits, sieve analyses, proctor compaction, and swell tests to evaluate soil performance.
• Concrete Laboratory Testing: Prepare and test specimens, measure cylinder dimensions, and determine material strength.
• Field Testing – Soils: Perform density tests, observe proof rolling, and monitor lime treatments while learning how compliance ensures safe and durable structures.
• Field Testing – Concrete: Conduct plastic concrete testing, cast cylinders, and verify rebar placement, connecting your findings to structural performance.

Capstone Project

At the end of the internship, you’ll complete a specialized capstone project that pulls together your field and lab experiences into a formal presentation for department leadership. This deliverable will highlight your technical and analytical skills—and provide a résumé-ready example of your ability to apply engineering principles in practice.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.
• Strong academic foundation in engineering principles, with interest in applied fieldwork and testing.
• Effective communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS, or engineering software is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Professionalism and eagerness to learn

Travel Requirements

• Occasional Travel: This position requires occasional travel up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or company events

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• This position operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending and lifting office materials up to 15 pounds.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here.