Geotechnical Engineering Co-op

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May and requires a commitment to work full-time though early-December 2025.  There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.

Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real, and you are an important part of the SME Team.

Technical Skills Required:

• Basic Computer Literacy: Our Co-ops must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
• To be considered, you must have a good driving record and must be able to comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outside at project sites under going due-diligence and during construction, in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
• A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.
• Willing to travel and work at various site locations throughout lower to mid-Michigan, and work overtime.

Preferred Behavioral Traits:

• Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is important when reviewing construction plans or other project documents. Ability to pay attention to the accuracy of details in reporting is a requirement.
• While specific in-field experience may not be required, we are looking for good problem-solvers. Showcasing your ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is valuable.
• Time management: You must be able to showcase your ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for motivated self-starters, and punctual hard workers.
• Communication Skills: Co-ops are expected to have good written, organizational, and oral communication skills. Co-ops should demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Learning Attitude: Successful Co-ops demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
• Safety Minded: All SME Team Members demonstrate a focus on safety in the work we do. Our Co-ops are expected to adhere to industry and SME safety standards and encourage safe work behaviors while on the job.

Responsibilities:

You will gain exposure to a wide variety of geotechnical engineering projects.  You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with design professionals, construction managers, and contractors.  Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Assisting project managers and geotechnical engineers with a variety of geotechnical projects;
• Performing field-related reconnaissance;
• Performing vibration monitoring during and prior to construction projects;
• Geophysical testing of subsurface conditions;
• Planning and scheduling drilling and geotechnical investigation projects;
• Performing geotechnical field and laboratory testing; and
• Evaluating soils and construction materials; and
• Preparing written technical reports and communicating your findings and test results to project team members.
• Construction observation of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and horizontal auger boring (HAB) projects