Summer Aviation Experience (Internship) - Summer 2027

Delta Airport Consultants; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lodging provided

Mentorship program

Discovery flight opportunity

Job summary

Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. invites civil engineering students to an eight-week aviation internship in Richmond, VA. You will gain hands-on exposure to airport planning, civil design, CAD, construction administration, and project management while visiting airports and meeting industry professionals.

The program includes lodging, travel expense reimbursement, and a mentorship program, with paid hourly work at about $23 per hour. Start date expected in late May 2027.

Qualifications

• Civil Engineering student in ABET-accredited program.
• AutoCAD or Civil 3D experience preferred but not required.
• Interest in aviation and airports a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and prepare exhibits.
• Assist in construction estimates and bidding prep.
• Visit active construction sites and assist in construction administration.
• Support project closeout activities.

Skills

Civil Engineering

AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Willingness to travel

Curious learner

Education

ABET-accredited civil engineering program

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About Delta Airport Consultants, Inc.

Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. is a great place to work in the civil engineering / aviation consulting space! We are a group of enthusiastic, creative and collaborative self-starters who go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. Our team supports clients ranging from large hub commercial airports to general aviation facilities.

We expect this to be a dynamic program which will give you an introduction to the aviation industry and a sample of our airport projects – from start to finish! You will be exposed to airport planning, civil, design, CAD, construction administration, project management, and field representative duties. The program will include various elements such as classroom training and hands‑on learning activities, guest speakers, teambuilding events, and visits to airports and project sites.

Here, the sky’s the limit. If you’re up for soaring to new heights with us, keep reading!

Job Description (The awesome work you’ll get to do):

• Eight-week program from late May through early August 2027; no work the week of July 4th
• Lodging provided!
• Gain exposure to the world of aviation – visit various airports and meet the people who work there!
• Aviation fun – introduction to ground school and opportunity to fly in a Delta plane!
• Gain experience: review plans, create exhibits, prepare construction estimates, prepare for bidding, visit an active construction site, participate in construction administration, and help with project closeout
• Develop consulting skills – bridge the gap between complex engineering concepts and real-world business solutions through relationship development and communication
• Cultivate relationships and explore career paths
• Mentorship program

Qualifications and Traits for Success (The awesome experience and qualities you possess):

• Student studying Civil Engineering in an ABET-accredited civil engineering program
• AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience would be great, but is not required
• It would be great if you have aviation exposure / experience, but they are not required
• It would be great if you have internship/co‑op experience, but it is not required
• May be required to obtain a security badge and complete specific airfield safety and driver training prior to visiting the client’s project site. We will coordinate this if needed during the program.
• Passion for airports and aviation
• Desire to travel, design and construct airports, learn and try new things
• Eager to learn and try new things
• Interest in civil site design and construction / land development
• Interest in exposure to all facets of consulting engineering
• A curious knowledge seeker – You want to continually learn and stay abreast of the latest and greatest in your industry

Compensation:

The total compensation package including hourly pay, lodging, expense reimbursement and other components exceeds $20,000 for the program duration.

Interns are paid an hourly rate which we anticipate will be $23.00 for 2027.

Additionally, we will arrange for lodging in the Richmond, VA area for the duration of the program, and provide reimbursement of approved business expenses, including travel expenses (mileage / lodging when away from the office) and safety equipment needed for site visits.

We anticipate a scheduled unpaid program break from July 5th – July 9th. We will provide a travel/lodging reimbursement up to $500 which can be applied towards your travel home or elsewhere, or your hotel in Richmond if you choose to stay in town.

We would also be happy to help coordinate and cover the cost of a Discovery Flight at a local airport before the program gets underway!

Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Early application deadline: 9/1/2026

Anticipated start date of late May 2027.