Project Engineer Intern

Align Builders•San Diego County , CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Align Builders is hiring an entry-level Project Engineer in San Diego County to learn the General Contractor role from the inside. The intern will work alongside a Project Manager and Superintendent who support their development and contribute to project teams from the start. This is a full-time, in-office position for someone early in their construction career. The role supports healthcare, life science, and higher education projects intended to have meaningful, lasting impact. The Project Engineer Intern supports the project team throughout the full project lifecycle, assuming more ownership as skills develop. The first 90 days follow a structured learning path: learning the construction environment, safety practices, plans, specifications, and Procore and Bluebeam workflows; learning how the General Contractor connects owners, design teams, and trade partners; and gaining confidence with project workflows, RFIs, submittals, and site support. The Project Manager and Superintendent provide regular check-ins and direct feedback.

Requirements

0 to 1 years of experience; internship, co-op, or other hands-on construction exposure is a plus.
Interest in commercial construction, especially healthcare (OSHPD), life sciences, higher education, and office improvements.
Working skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
Willingness to complete OSHA 30 and site-specific safety training.
Interpersonal skills to engage clients, team members, and trade partners constructively.
Clear written and in-person communication skills.
Ability to follow organizational processes and manage multiple tasks, prioritizing time with urgency.
A team-oriented, accountable, positive, professional, and disciplined approach, with a willingness to learn, listen, and grow.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, engineering, or a related field; preferred but not required.
Internship, co-op, or other hands-on construction exposure.
Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, and Microsoft Project; training is provided.
Ability to recognize quality workmanship, or eagerness to learn how.

Responsibilities

Assist the Project Manager and Superintendent in executing complex projects.
Prepare RFIs for Project Manager and Superintendent approval and log them on construction drawings in Procore.
Build and maintain the submittal registry and procurement log, and support the submittal review process against contract drawings and specifications.
Pass critical information to the field, including the Superintendent and trade partners, to help keep the project on schedule.
Learn to read and interpret plans, specifications, and code, and support the Superintendent in confirming work complies with the design.
Support the Superintendent with site logistics, including the trailer and temporary facilities.
Support the Project Manager with cost management, reporting, and subcontractor change orders.
Prepare for weekly OAC, trade, and pre-install meetings; take clear notes, review them with the Project Manager or Project Engineer, and distribute meeting minutes.
Keep project logs, monthly progress reports, and Procore documents and drawings current.
Learn how CPM updates, mapping sessions, and pull plans work alongside the Superintendent and Project Manager.
Support closeout, including owner training, punch lists, as-builts, O&M manuals, and warranties.
Communicate project status clearly and professionally with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and field personnel.
Complete safety training, including OSHA 30, and site-specific safety training.
Attend OAC, foreman, and pre-install meetings and learn contract types, delivery methods, and procurement processes.
Shadow the Superintendent on site and support Project Manager reviews of prime agreements and subcontracts.