Student Engineering Intern - Rock Mechanics

RESPEC; Rapid City (SD); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

RESPEC in Rapid City, SD is seeking Student Engineering Interns for its 2027 Summer Internship Program. Interns will work onsite 40 hours a week during the summer, with an option to work 10 to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, gaining hands-on experience in mining and energy market sectors.

Under mentorship, interns will contribute to real-world projects and develop skills in rock mechanics, mining/civil engineering, and numerical modeling while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Must be working toward a bachelor of science or advanced degree in geological, mechanical, mining, civil engineering or related field
• Strong computer skills, experience with Python or other data analysis programming languages
• Working knowledge of fundamentals of engineering concepts
• Eagerness to tackle challenging technical problems, willingness to learn new things, and teachable

Responsibilities

• Numerical analysis of underground structures, engineering support, and data analysis.
• Design and assessment of ground support systems, conventional geotechnical analyses, and mine planning
• Compile and prepare technical background information, modeling results, and study findings for oral presentation and written deliverables.

Skills

Python

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geological, Mechanical, Mining, Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description: RESPEC is seeking Student Engineering Interns to join our 2027 Summer Internship Program in Rapid City, SD. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with a growing North American engineering consulting firm while working alongside experienced professionals on meaning projects. The intern will be expected to work 40 hours a week onsite during the summer with an option to work an average of 10 to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.

As part of RESPEC's Mining and Energy Market Sector, Student Engineering interns will contribute to real-world projects and gain exposure to the delivery of professional consulting services. Through mentorship and coaching from our experienced team members, interns will develop skills in rock mechanics, mining/civil engineering, and numerical modeling. Interns will also have opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and gain exposure to clients, project sites, and the communities we serve.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Numerical analysis of underground structures, engineering support, and data analysis.
• Design and assessment of ground support systems, conventional geotechnical analyses, and mine planning
• Compile and prepare technical background information, modeling results, and study findings for oral presentation and written deliverables.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Required:

• Must be working toward a bachelor of science or advanced degree in geological, mechanical, mining, civil engineering or related field
• Strong computer skills, experience with Python or other data analysis programming languages
• Working knowledge of fundamentals of engineering concepts
• Eagerness to tackle challenging technical problems, willingness to learn new things, and teachable

Preferred:

• Exposure to finite element/difference analysis and numerical modeling methods
• Solid time management skills and ability to produce accurate, high quality work in an efficient manner
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Must possess a driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record

Additional Information

Compensation: Hourly wage depends on education and experience. No benefits are offered except those that are required for statutory purposes.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Company Info

Big challenges need bold thinkers.

If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.

At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.