About the role#
Pape-Dawson is seeking Civil Engineering Interns for our Tennessee offices for the summer of 2027. This full-time, paid internship focuses on land development projects. You will work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer to gain hands-on experience with design tools, technical documentation, and project coordination. This role is designed for students who want to contribute to residential, commercial, and site development projects.
What you'll do#
- Assist project managers and engineers in preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
- Develop and evaluate design alternatives by analyzing engineering parameters and project constraints.
- Use AutoCAD Civil 3D to produce drawings, exhibits, and supporting documents.
- Support the preparation of technical reports, memoranda, and engineering studies.
- Participate in site visits, field activities, construction observation, and data collection.
- Assist with redlines, submittals, and record drawings.
- Help design grading, drainage, and utility layouts for various projects.
- Support permitting and coordination activities related to land development.
- Take on more complex design tasks as your technical understanding grows.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Bachelor of Science program for Civil or Agricultural Engineering at an ABET-accredited institution.
- Familiarity with core engineering principles and practices.
- Basic proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Adaptability when managing shifting priorities and deadlines.
Location & details#
- Term: Summer 2027
- Modality: On-site
- Locations: Knoxville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, and Nashville, Tennessee
About Pape-Dawson
Pape-Dawson is a civil engineering and professional services firm founded in 1965. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company employs over 2,000 people across multiple offices in Texas, Florida, and Kansas. The firm provides services including land development, transportation planning, surveying, and environmental science. It operates as a privately held organization.
How to get in at Pape-Dawson
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