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. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. UES retains the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• 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.

   

  Travel Requirements:

   

  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.

   

  Physical Demands & Work Environment:

   

  • Work is conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
    • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
    • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
    • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
  • Physical requirements include:
    • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
    • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
    • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
    • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
    • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
  • This position operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
  • The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
  • The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
  • The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

   

  EEO Statement:

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