Intern - Project Engineer

Richard; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and skills training

Leadership development programs

Referral bonus program

Meal program

Job summary

Richard, Purpose Builders, is seeking a Project Engineer Intern to support the Operations team in planning, coordination, and execution of active construction projects. The internship offers exposure to field and project management responsibilities, with mentorship and skills development as core pillars.

Ideal candidates are pursuing Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related degrees, with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and active construction environments.
• Ability to collaborate with project teams while independently completing assigned responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, scheduling software, or other construction technology is a plus.
• Willingness to travel or work at project locations as needed.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry.

Responsibilities

• Support Operations team in planning, coordination, and execution of active construction projects.
• Work with Project Engineers, Project Managers, Superintendents and other team members.
• Contribute to real project deliverables while learning the full project lifecycle.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge construction technology and sustainable practices.
• Assist with project controls including costs, planning, scheduling, and supervision of personnel.
• Coordinate with all project members to maintain schedule, safety, budget and quality control.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Office software

Team collaboration

Detail orientation

Education

Construction Management or Civil Engineering degree

Related field in engineering/architecture

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Scheduling software

MS Project

Job description

Department: Operations

Position: Project Engineer Intern

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Internship (Full-Time, Temporary)

Program Dates: 25 May 2027 - 30 July 2027

Join Richard, Purpose Builders: Where Your Impact Matters

At Richard, we're not just another construction company, we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.

Why Choose Richard?

• Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line
• Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data center Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality
• Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth
• Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction
• Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you're not just a number, you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.

Job Summary

Project Engineer Interns will gain hands‑on experience supporting Richard's Operations team in the planning, coordination, and execution of active construction projects. Working alongside Project Engineers, Project Managers, Superintendents, and other project team members, the intern will gain exposure to both field and project management responsibilities. This internship is designed for students interested in building a career in construction management, project management, or field operations. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real project deliverables while developing an understanding of the full construction project lifecycle.

Opportunities

• Gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge construction technology and sustainable practices, preparing you to be at the forefront of industry advancements.
• Supervise project start up, project completion, punch list identification and entire close‑out process
• Provide project controls including costs, planning, scheduling, engineering, supervision and management of personnel
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with all project team members to maintain project schedule, safety, budget and quality control efforts
• Plan and organize quality processes such as work planning, pre‑activity meetings, material management, incident reports and corrective actions
• Ability to write and comprehend RFIs, potential change orders, project schedules, and other project documents
• Ability to clearly communicate to home office, Owner and Subcontractors
• Ability to write contracts, negotiate scope, negotiate terms and conditions, subcontractor compliance and owner compliance
• Ability to manage subs in a hard-bid capacity understanding subcontractor, contract scope and holding subcontractors to their contracts
• Ability to manage schedules, SOVs, organizational charts, management plans, submittal review and approval for all DIV 01 – 33
• Oversee the management and mobilization of equipment, labor and materials to include permits and other 3rd party requirements
• Ability to run both internal project meetings as well as owner project meetings - develop content, manage BIC, etc.
• Experience building P6 schedules with cost and resource loading, and understanding of all schedule and production reports to owner and company mgmt.
• Maintain relationships with owners, clients and subcontractors

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and active construction environments.
• Ability to collaborate with project teams while independently completing assigned responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, scheduling software, or other construction technology is a plus.
• Willingness to travel or work at project locations as needed.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry.

Benefits

At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes benefits such as:

• 10 days of vacation time (Not Paid Time Off)
• Reimbursed travel expenses (Metra/CTA Tickets, flights, mileage (case by case basis on flights/mileage))
• All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs
• Referral Bonus Program
• Company meal program (Breakfast/Lunch) 5 days a week

Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.