Project Engineer (Intern) - UIC Construction

UIC Construction Services is seeking a Project Engineer Intern to support the Project Engineer and/or Project Manager in coordinating and executing various construction projects. This role assists in the overall direction, planning, implementation, and control of project activities to ensure alignment with company objectives, deadlines, and quality standards. The intern will gain hands-on experience in project management processes, technical documentation, and field coordination, contributing to the successful delivery of projects in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Read and interpret project plans and specifications to support proper execution of work.
• Assist the Project Engineer with construction documentation, including RFIs, submittals, purchase orders, and correspondence.
• Track and maintain project reports such as daily logs, production and labor reports, submittals, equipment usage, schedules, and budget performance.
• Perform quantity take-offs for estimating and project execution, including material and area calculations.
• Analyze and update project budgets, margin projections, and budget vs. actual performance.
• Support compliance efforts, including assisting with the SWPPP program alongside the Project Engineer and Site Superintendent.
• Develop and maintain work plans for assigned project activities.
• Track project deliverables using tools such as Procore, Excel, and other project management software.
• Provide support and direction to the project team as needed.
• Monitor and report on project progress to internal stakeholders.
• Prepare reports outlining project status, challenges, and recommended solutions.
• Assist in implementing project changes to meet desired outcomes.
• Participate in project evaluations and assessment of results.
• Assist in consolidating historical data and support estimating efforts for future projects.
• Conduct inspections or reviews to monitor compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Motivated, energetic, and professional attitude with a strong commitment to quality and relationship-building with owners, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to assist in executing projects in accordance with plans, specifications, and defined objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to help ensure project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Willingness to learn and apply skills in areas such as CPM scheduling, cost control, quality control, submittal and purchase order processing, and subcontract management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with P6 or other scheduling software is preferred, with a willingness to learn new platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering, architectural, and construction drawings and specifications.
• Understanding and support of corporate safety programs and applicable safety regulations.
• Ability to implement and complete quality assurance and inspection procedures.
• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to perform quantity and material take-offs from construction documents.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior, professionalism, and cultural awareness in all interactions.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two or more years of education or training in an engineering-related field such as civil engineering, construction management, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic knowledge of construction materials, methods, and industry practices.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
  
  

Physical And Mental Demands

• Frequently required to read text on a computer screen and hard copy documents, sit or stand, talk, and hear.
• Frequent use of computers, including data entry via keyboard or other peripheral devices.
• Regular exposure to moderate noise levels in a well-lit, well-ventilated, and moderately paced environment.
• Continuous sitting, listening, and responding to audio cues; performing repetitive hand and wrist motions; and viewing a computer screen.
• Continuous standing and walking as part of jobsite or office movement.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, bending, or reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, or lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Primary work environment is a construction office setting.
• Typical work schedule is 40–50 hours per week; adjustments may be made to accommodate academic course loads if applicable.
• Travel to active construction sites is required.
• Job sites may be located in remote or rural areas, which may involve exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions.