Intern, Engineering

UES; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking an Engineering Intern to assist across geotechnical, environmental, and materials testing projects under supervision of seasoned engineers. You will gain hands-on experience in field investigations, lab testing, data analysis, and technical reporting.

The role emphasizes collaboration, safety, and readiness to work outdoors, with occasional travel up to 10% and a strong focus on learning core engineering practices.

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 with interest in fieldwork and testing.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers with field inspections, site assessments, and data collection.
• Perform laboratory testing and assist in preparing samples for analysis.
• Support in drafting technical reports, calculations, and documentation.
• Participate in construction materials testing under supervision.

Skills

Field inspections

Data analysis

Technical writing

MS Office

AutoCAD / GIS familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree student in Civil/Environmental/Geotechnical Engineering

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

The Engineering Intern will work under the supervision of experienced engineers and technical staff to support project execution across multiple engineering disciplines, including geotechnical, environmental, construction materials testing, and structural engineering. This role provides hands‑on experience in field investigations, laboratory testing, data analysis, and technical reporting. The intern will gain exposure to engineering best practices while contributing to high-quality solutions for UES clients.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers with field inspections, site assessments, and data collection.
• Perform laboratory testing and assist in preparing samples for analysis.
• Support in drafting technical reports, calculations, and documentation.
• Participate in construction materials testing, including soils, concrete, asphalt, and steel, under supervision.
• Assist with geotechnical investigations, including logging of soil borings and monitoring well installations.
• Conduct research and gather background information for project design and analysis.
• Maintain accurate project records, logs, and documentation.
• Comply with all UES safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide general support to project teams as needed.

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 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 senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision; 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.