Project Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

JOB TITLE: Project Engineer Intern - Summer 2027 PAY: $25/hour LOCATION: On-site - Carlsbad, CA office and assigned project sites OUR COMPANY WE ARE GENUINE BUILDERS OF PEOPLE AND PLACES. We're a San Diego based company who builds differently by blending large company experience with the personal approach of a boutique team. With millions of square feet of commercial improvements in our history our work stands in time, long after we have left the buildings we construct; allowing those who live and work in them to become storytellers of their own lives. We promise quality and value anchored to the simple truths that people deserve to be respected for their ideas and contribution to making something world class. We're enthusiastic about who we work with, we have a good time working, and we strive to build inspiring spaces. OUR CORE VALUES "TC3G" * Team Player - It takes all of us to achieve success. Own your role and help lift your team. * Competitive - We love to win and hate to lose. Show up every day to win. * Genuine - Be authentic and genuine. * GSD! - Be productive and disciplined. Get it done! * Grit - Lean in every day. Embrace the grit. OUR SEARCH Dempsey Construction is seeking a driven and committed Project Engineer Intern for Summer 2027 who is eager to learn, contribute to our team, and build a foundation for a career in commercial construction. At Dempsey, our interns get Real Job Experience . You'll work directly with a Project Manager across multiple projects, spending time in our Carlsbad office and out in the field. You'll take on meaningful assignments, contribute to active projects, and gain firsthand experience in how commercial buildings are planned, coordinated, and built. We take pride in promoting from within and are committed to supporting the growth and development of our team members. This internship offers the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build practical skills, and explore a future with Dempsey Construction. INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE * Work directly with a Project Manager supporting multiple commercial construction projects * Gain hands-on experience in both office-based project management and field operations * Participate in a weekly estimating training class covering each construction trade, its scope of work, and its role in the overall project * Attend project meetings and site walks to learn how project teams coordinate work and resolve challenges * Develop an understanding of project budgets, schedules, contracts, quality control, and safety POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of a Project Manager, the Project Engineer Intern supports the planning, administration, and execution of multiple commercial construction projects. The intern assists with estimating, subcontract documentation, submittals, RFIs, scheduling, cost tracking, change orders, and other project coordination activities. Through assignments in the office and field, the intern will learn how drawings, specifications, budgets, schedules, and subcontractor scopes come together to deliver a successful project. This individual should be organized and task oriented, able to manage assigned priorities with guidance, and motivated to ask questions, receive feedback, and contribute to the team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Read and interpret construction plans, drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documents with guidance from the project team * Help prepare, distribute, and track submittals and RFIs; maintain accurate logs and follow up on outstanding items * Assist with quantity take-offs and estimating for self-performed and subcontracted work, including exposure to schematic estimating * Participate in weekly estimating training to develop an understanding of construction trades, scopes of work, quantities, and pricing * Gather and organize quotes from subcontractors and material suppliers to support bid reviews and scope comparisons * Assist with preparing cost proposals, subcontract scopes, and supporting contract documentation * Support project scheduling by tracking activities, updating information, and communicating follow-up needs * Assist with subcontractor and supplier coordination, including tracking material submittals, approvals, procurement, and deliveries * Assist with reviewing drawings and specifications to identify discrepancies and gather information needed for resolution * Support the preparation and tracking of change orders, including collecting subcontractor pricing and supporting documentation * Assist with reviewing owner and subcontractor billings and maintaining project budget and job cost information * Learn how the team evaluates alternative materials, construction methods, and sequencing to improve efficiency and value * Maintain current drawings, specifications, project files, and document distribution records * Attend project meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and track assigned action items * Participate in site walks to observe construction methods, document progress, and learn about trade coordination, quality control, and safety * Assist with punch lists, collection of closeout documents, and other project completion activities * Communicate progress, questions, and potential issues to the Project Manager and other project team members * Follow company and project-specific safety requirements, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment * Exemplify Dempsey Construction Core Values, Principles of Service, and Dempsey DNA QUALIFICATIONS * Interest in pursuing a career in commercial construction or construction management * Ability to work on-site in both the Carlsbad office and active construction project environments * Ability to reliably travel to the office and assigned project sites * Clean driving record, as travel may be required * Previous construction experience or related coursework is a plus but is not required EDUCATION * Currently pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field SKILLS * Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook * Familiarity with Procore, Microsoft Project, or Bluebeam is a plus * Basic math skills and an interest in learning construction estimating and quantity take-offs * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail * Ability to manage multiple assigned priorities and meet deadlines with guidance * Willingness to ask questions, accept feedback, and apply new knowledge * Ability to work collaboratively with project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers * Adaptability to changing priorities and project needs * Professionalism when representing the company in the office and field * Accountability, initiative, and a dependable work ethic * A desire to contribute your time, talents, and ideas to positively impact others and the company