Estimating Intern- Summer 2027

Universal Engineering Sciences • Iowa Township, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

If you’re curious about how projects are priced, scoped, and won in the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, this internship is designed for you. As an Estimating Intern, you’ll work alongside Business Development Representatives and the sales team to learn how proposals are built, how client plans are reviewed, and how estimates play a critical role in securing work. By summer’s end, you’ll understand how technical knowledge, client relationships, and business strategy come together to drive project success.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.
• Strong academic foundation in engineering principles, with interest in applied fieldwork and testing.
• Effective communication and technical writing skills.
• Interest in learning how cost estimating, sales, and business development intersect in the A/E/C industry.
• Strong math, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings (coursework experience acceptable).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor.

Nice To Haves

• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation (preferred for client meeting exposure).

Responsibilities

• Learn how to review client construction plans and translate them into cost estimates for construction materials testing and inspection services.
• Assist with preparing proposals and supporting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor applications.
• Gain exposure to client interactions by shadowing meetings with current and prospective customers.
• Participate in marketing functions and see firsthand how networking helps grow business.
• Collaborate with multiple departments—Branch Management, Scheduling, Operations, and Production—to understand how accurate estimating supports the entire project lifecycle.
• Build strong communication skills by observing and contributing to team and client discussions.
• Complete a specialized capstone project, such as developing a mock proposal package or performing a comparative estimate analysis based on client plans. This project will give you a tangible, résumé-ready example of how you applied estimating skills to real-world scenarios.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern