Estimating Engineer Intern – Summer 2027

Christman Company; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Christman Company is seeking Estimating Engineer Interns for a Summer Internship Program across Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit regions. You will read drawings, quantify materials, and develop familiarity with BIM, QTO, and pricing processes while supporting project planning and site visits.

The role targets active civil engineering or construction management students with 3.0+ GPA, prior construction exposure, and leadership involvement in student groups.

Qualifications

• Active, full-time Sophomore–Senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Previous work or internship in the commercial construction industry.
• Demonstrates participation or leadership in student organizations or clubs.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret drawings and project specifications.
• Survey and quantify materials from drawings.
• Develop knowledge of 2D takeoff, 3D QTO, and estimating platforms.
• Organize quantity takeoffs for audit readiness.
• Estimate interiors and basic structural/civil elements.
• Support design development and construction-level drawing activities.
• Assist with BIM, VR/AR tools, and project planning tasks.
• Engage with trade contractors for pricing and data collection.

Skills

Civil engineering student

Construction management interest

Leadership in student activities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction management (in progress)

Tools

BIM (VDC)

VR/AR visualization

Job description

Est. Engineer Intern – Summer Internship Program

The Christman Company is looking for Estimating Engineer Interns for the upcoming Summer Internship Program in our Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit regions.

What You Will Do

As an Estimating Engineer Intern, primary daily responsibilities of this role include, but not limited to:

• Read and interpret drawings and project specifications
• Survey/quantify materials from drawings
• Develop knowledge of 2D On-Screen Takeoff/3D QTO technologies and our estimating platform
• Organize quantity takeoffs for ease of audit
• Estimate interiors
• Learn basic structural/civil estimating at Design Development /Construction level drawings
• Contact/follow-up with trade contractors/suppliers for pricing
• Utilize the latest collaboration software for document control and distribution
• Develop knowledge of construction pricing
• Make recommendations for software upgrades
• Make recommendations for database pricing changes
• Become familiar with the project's mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, how they interact with the architecture and support the function of a building.
• Participate in active project site visits. Experience in-progress construction processes and apply that knowledge in the planning effort.
• Virtual Design & Construction (BIM) concentration: assist the project planning team develop 4D models, Facility Asset Management Models, and utilize Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies

What You Will Bring to the Team

• Active, full-time Sophomore-Senior level student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Previous work or internship experience in the commercial construction industry.
• Shows participation and/or leadership roles in student organizations or extracurricular club activities.

The Christman family of companies is an Affluent Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

As part of our company policy, this position requires successful completion of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to drug and background screening.

Notice to Recruiting Agencies (Unsolicited Resumes)

The Christman Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our applicant tracking system, website, or to any Christman employee/affiliates. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Christman employees or its' affiliates will be considered property of The Christman Company and will be processed accordingly. Christman will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume without an executed agreement and assigned to a specific search.

Founded in 1894, Christman is a national, employee-owned construction firm offering construction management, general contracting, and design-build services. Taking a comprehensive approach to support our clients needs, our self-perform affiliates empower us to enhance project outcomes. With over 500 employee-owners, we unite great people in great achievement, delivering projects that align with clients’ goals through a collaborative, one-team approach. Our family of companies’ expertise spans multiple market sectors, including healthcare, education, and historic preservation, providing tailored solutions that add value to every project. Together, we strive to #buildmore for our clients, communities, and team. Interested in exploring a career with Christman? We're looking for talented people who are passionate about construction and who value integrity, informed decision-making and collaboration.