SkillBridge: Engineer / Designer I - Benesch

BufferSprings; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from licensed engineers

Priority for full-time roles

Networking opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Kansas City seeks active-duty military transitioning to civilian roles for an Engineer/Designer I SkillBridge internship. This role includes hands-on training in civil and infrastructure engineering with responsibilities such as data collection, designing, and assisting licensed engineers. Candidates with strong math and communication skills and a bachelor's degree in engineering are preferred. This position offers mentorship and opportunities for career advancement in engineering and project design.

Qualifications

• Must be active-duty military and eligible for DoD SkillBridge.
• Currently within 180 days of military separation.
• Interest in engineering, transportation, construction, or infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Collect and organize technical data for engineering models.
• Assist in drafting plans and design layouts.
• Support site visits and field reviews.
• Conduct quantity calculations and relate them to pay items and project budgets.
• Support site visits and field reviews to validate design assumptions.
• Use Microsoft Office and CADD tools to complete tasks.
• Prepare clear, organized design files and documentation.
• Learn applicable codes, standards, and client specifications.
• Collaborate with managers and project engineers to meet deadlines.

Skills

Strong math skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Familiarity with spreadsheets

Adaptability to new workflows

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

CADD software

Job description

Kansas City, United States | Posted on 12/04/2025

• Work Experience Transitioning Military Veterans seeking DoD SkillBridge in Construction & Engineering
• State/Province Kansas
• Country United States

Job Description

This SkillBridge internship is designed to help transitioning service members move directly into careers in civil and infrastructure engineering. Benesch, a nationally recognized leader in transportation and infrastructure design, is partnering with BufferSprings to provide veterans with a hands‑on training experience that builds real‑world design skills.

As an Engineer/Designer I, you will support project teams by assisting in data collection, performing design calculations, drafting plans, and learning how large-scale infrastructure projects come together. This is your opportunity to bring your mission mindset into an engineering environment that values detail, discipline, and impact.

This internship offers field exposure and technical mentorship to prepare you for a civilian role in engineering, public works, or design consulting.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and organize technical data for use in engineering models and designs
• Perform basic analysis of project elements under the guidance of a licensed engineer
• Assist in drafting plans, diagrams, and design layouts using industry software
• Conduct quantity calculations and understand their relation to pay items and project budgets
• Support site visits and field reviews to validate design assumptions
• Use standard tools such as Microsoft Office and CADD software to complete tasks
• Prepare clear, organized documentation and design files
• Learn applicable codes, standards, and client specifications
• Collaborate with technical managers and project engineers to support deadlines and accuracy

Requirements

• Must be active‑duty military and eligible for DoD SkillBridge
• Currently within 180 days of military separation
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred
• Interest in engineering, transportation, construction, or infrastructure projects
• Strong math, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Familiarity with spreadsheets, design tools, or technical software
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new workflows and software
• Ability to work on a team and contribute to collaborative project goals
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel regionally as needed

Military Occupational Alignment

This SkillBridge opportunity is designed for transitioning service members with experience in military engineering, construction, or technical operations. Ideal candidates may come from the following backgrounds:

Army (MOS)

• 120A – Construction Engineering Technician Warrant Officer
• 12B – Combat Engineer
• 12T – Technical Engineer
• 12N – Horizontal Construction Engineer

Air Force (AFSC)

• 3E5X1 – Engineering Apprentice
• 3E6X1 – Operations Management
• EDO – Engineering Duty Officer
• BU – Builder
• CM – Construction Mechanic
• EO – Equipment Operator (Seabees)

Marine Corps (MOS)

• 1371 – Combat Engineer
• 1316 – Metal Worker

Coast Guard (Rating)

• CIV – Civil Engineer

This role offers significant upward mobility within Benesch, starting as an Engineer / Designer I and progressing to Senior Designer, Project Engineer, Senior Project Engineer, Technical Manager, and Senior Technical Manager. Each level comes with increasing responsibilities, training opportunities, and development programs, ensuring a clear path to career advancement.

• Mentorship from licensed engineers and project managers
• Exposure to DOT and civil infrastructure projects
• On‑the‑job experience in design modeling, drafting, and documentation
• Structured guidance in using CADD software and engineering tools
• Development of technical writing and reporting skills
• Support from BufferSprings to translate your military skills into civilian employment
• Priority consideration for full‑time roles with Benesch and partners
• A professional network that connects you with long‑term opportunities
• Clear advancement path within engineering or project design fields

Equal Opportunity and Compliance Statement

Benesch and BufferSprings are Equal Opportunity Employers. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

We comply with the following regulations:

• 41 CFR 60-1.4(a): Nondiscrimination requirements for race, religion, sex, and national origin
• 41 CFR 60-741.5(a): Protection and affirmative action for individuals with disabilities under Section 503