Civil Engineering Internship

Build practical engineering experience while helping shape places where people live, work, and connect. RETTEW is seeking a Civil Engineering Intern to support the Land Development Team during Summer 2027. You will contribute to active projects under the direction and 100% field supervision of experienced professionals, with assignments matched to your coursework, capabilities, and development throughout the summer in an award-winning internship program.

The Opportunity

This internship offers hands-on exposure to civil site design, permitting, field observations, and multidisciplinary project delivery. You will participate in RETTEW’s ASPIRE Internship Program, including mentoring, professional development, networking, and an end-of-program presentation. Interns may attend applicable safety training and receive required personal protective equipment under the applicable allowance.

What You’ll Do

• Assist engineers and designers with land development assignments for commercial, industrial, residential, institutional, and mixed-use projects.
• Support preparation and revision of site plans, grading plans, utility layouts, stormwater-management documents, erosion and sediment control plans, and permit materials.
• Use AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Office, and other technical tools appropriate to the assignment and your experience.
• Perform basic calculations, quantity takeoffs, data organization, and technical research under supervision.
• Research municipal ordinances, zoning provisions, and local, state, or federal permitting requirements.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, surveyors, planners, environmental professionals, and project managers.
• Participate in project meetings, quality reviews, and documentation activities.
• Support site visits, data collection, construction observations, or other field assignments when applicable and under 100% field supervision.
• Complete ASPIRE program activities and communicate progress, questions, and lessons learned.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Landscape Architecture or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Availability to work full-time during the agreed Summer 2027 internship dates.
• Foundational understanding of civil engineering principles through coursework, projects, laboratory work, or other academic experience.
• Ability to follow direction, ask questions, incorporate feedback, and complete assigned work accurately and on time.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Ability to meet the approved work-location and hybrid schedule requirements, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Preferred

• Coursework or project experience involving site design, grading, drainage, stormwater management, utilities, surveying, construction, or environmental permitting.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, or comparable engineering and design software.
• Prior internship, co-op, engineering club, design competition, research, or hands-on technical experience.
• Interest in land development, civil site design, engineering consulting, and future Engineer-in-Training certification.

Trainable Skills

• RETTEW standards, quality processes, project workflows, and document practices.
• Civil 3D and other project-specific software workflows.
• Land development permitting procedures and agency coordination.
• Project documentation, professional communication, and consulting fundamentals.
• Applicable field and safety procedures for assigned work.

Work Environment

This role is expected to combine office-based work, remote work, and limited field assignments based on project needs. Field activities may involve outdoor conditions, uneven terrain, active construction areas, and required personal prot