CMT Internship - Summer 2027

UES; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking engineering interns to bridge classroom knowledge with hands-on construction materials testing. Over 10 weeks, you’ll rotate through field and laboratory focus areas, gaining practical insight into soils, concrete, and material testing.

You will collaborate with engineers and technicians, participate in a capstone project, and develop technical competencies for a career in engineering or construction material testing.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Civil, Environmental, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles; interest in applied fieldwork and testing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with AutoCAD or GIS is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions; strong problem-solving and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Soils Laboratory Testing: Assist Atterberg limits, sieve analyses, proctor compaction, and swell tests.
• Concrete Laboratory Testing: Prepare and test specimens, measure cylinder dimensions, determine material strength.
• Field Testing – Soils: Perform density tests, observe proof rolling, monitor lime treatments.
• Field Testing – Concrete: Conduct plastic concrete testing, cast cylinders, verify rebar placement; relate findings to structural performance.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

GIS

Teamwork

Communication

Technical Writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Related field

Tools

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 construction materials testing. Over 10 weeks, you’ll rotate through key focus areas—including field testing and laboratory analysis —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, 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 or construction material testing.

Responsibilities

• 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 of 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