Geotechnical & Construction Materials Testing Intern- Summer 2026

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

This internship is designed to bridge your classroom knowledge with applied geotechnical and construction materials testing. Over 10 weeks, you’ll rotate through key focus areas—including field testing, laboratory analysis, and geotechnical investigations—so you can experience the full scope of how engineers and technicians ensure quality in construction projects. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how soils, concrete, and other materials behave in real-world conditions, as well as how testing and analysis directly impact project success.

●Geotechnical Investigations: Learn how boring locations are identified, assist with underground utility coordination, and observe geotechnical drilling in action.

●Soils Laboratory Testing: Conduct Atterberg limits, sieve analyses, proctor compaction, and swell tests to evaluate soil performance.

●Concrete Laboratory Testing: Prepare and test specimens, measure cylinder dimensions, and determine material strength.

●Field Testing – Soils: Perform density tests, observe proof rolling, and monitor lime treatments while learning how compliance ensures safe and durable structures.

●Field Testing – Concrete: Conduct plastic concrete testing, cast cylinders, and verify rebar placement, connecting your findings to structural performance.

Capstone Project:

At the end of the internship, you’ll complete a capstone project that brings together your experiences into a formal presentation. This final deliverable will showcase the skills you’ve developed throughout the program and provide a résumé-ready example of your ability to apply what you’ve learned in practice. 

●Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Preference for Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geosciences, Geology, Construction Management, Concrete Management, or related fields.

● Basic understanding of construction materials and testing procedures is a plus.
● Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
● Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on active construction sites.
● Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
● Ability to pass a background check screening
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting

●Must reside near or be able to relocate to the internship location (relocation assistance not provided).

Where This Can Take You:

By completing this program, you’ll gain practical skills in both field and laboratory testing, professional exposure to geotechnical operations, and experience interacting with engineering teams. You’ll graduate from the internship with a capstone project, technical competencies, and industry insight that will set you apart as you pursue a career in engineering, construction materials testing, or geotechnical consulting.

● This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business
objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on
project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may
be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and
use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a
  laboratory and field work setting.
• Laboratory Environment:
  • Regular exposure to moderate to loud noise levels from laboratory equipment, ventilation
    systems, and instrumentation.
  • Routine handling of chemicals, biological samples, and lab equipment, requiring adherence to
    strict safety protocols.
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and
    respiratory protection.
  • Possible exposure to chemical odors, dust, or temperature fluctuations within the lab
    environment.
• Field Environment:
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and
    undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by
    vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for sampling, operating tools/instruments, data entry, and
    testing procedures.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and
    fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments,
    often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception,
    depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here