Civil Engineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This Civil Engineer role supports the full lifecycle of civil engineering projects, from initial concept through final construction documents and implementation. You will prepare, review, and refine engineering plans and drawings for a wide range of projects, including land development, residential subdivisions, industrial facilities, and site design. You will apply civil engineering principles, industry standards, and regulatory requirements to deliver high-quality, constructible solutions that meet client objectives. The role involves performing engineering calculations and analyses using industry-standard design and modeling software, conducting research and data analysis, and providing technical recommendations that support project planning and decision-making. You will collaborate closely with project managers and multidisciplinary teams in a hands-on, growth-oriented environment where you can expand your technical skills and take on increasing responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of civil engineering projects from initial concept through final construction documents and implementation.
• Prepare, review, and revise civil engineering plans and drawings for land development, residential subdivisions, industrial facilities, and site design projects.
• Apply civil engineering principles, industry standards, and regulatory requirements to develop practical, high-quality project solutions.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses using industry-standard design and modeling software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Develop and refine grading plans, water main layouts, storm sewer systems, detention basins, and overall site development plans.
• Assist with stormwater management design and stormwater modeling to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and performance criteria.
• Conduct research, gather and analyze project data, and prepare technical recommendations to support project planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with client objectives.
• Coordinate with team members working on both residential and commercial land development projects to share knowledge and maintain consistency in design standards.
• Contribute to the preparation of construction documents, including plans, specifications, and supporting calculations.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through written documentation, drawings, and verbal discussions with team members and stakeholders.
• Participate in a collaborative, hands-on environment where you support project delivery while continuously developing your technical expertise.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
• 0–6 years of experience in site design and land development.
• Familiarity with or proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D; entry-level candidates may demonstrate this through coursework, internships, or co-op experience.
• Experience with land development and site design, including grading, water main, storm sewer, detention basins, and stormwater management.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and analyses using industry-standard design and modeling tools.
• Experience with stormwater modeling; exposure to or proficiency in HEC-RAS is a plus.
• Strong verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written communication skills to prepare clear technical documentation and recommendations.
• Eagerness to learn and develop deeper technical expertise in site development and stormwater management.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and contribute to shared project goals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for site development, grading, utilities, and stormwater design.
• Experience with stormwater modeling software; familiarity with HEC-RAS is highly desirable.
• Background in land development, site design, storm sewer, water main, detention basins, and stormwater systems.
• Prior experience (through internships, co-ops, or full-time roles) supporting residential subdivisions or commercial development projects.
• Interest in taking on increasing responsibility, including ownership of design tasks and coordination with project managers.
• Motivation to grow within a supportive environment that offers mentorship and exposure to diverse projects.

Work Environment

You will join a dedicated Site Development team composed of approximately 11 civil engineers and 3 project managers. The team is organized into groups that support both residential and commercial land development projects, with one group primarily focused on residential subdivisions and others focused on commercial developments. While each group has its core focus, engineers regularly work on a diverse mix of project types, providing broad exposure to different site development challenges and solutions. The company operates as a mid-sized organization with a family-oriented, tight-knit culture where employees are genuinely valued and recognized. Leadership emphasizes work-life balance and offers flexibility for personal commitments and appointments when communicated in advance. Flexible work arrangements are available, including hybrid schedules with up to two remote days per week for qualified, more experienced candidates and alternative workweeks such as 4/10s, supporting different work styles and preferences. The office environment is collaborative and engaging, with regular team-building events such as BBQs, golf outings, axe throwing, and other social activities that foster strong relationships across the organization. Employees also enjoy modern office amenities, including a golf simulator and a video game room, creating a welcoming space where team members can unwind, connect with coworkers, and enjoy coming to work each day.

This is a Contract position based out of Crown Point, IN.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Crown Point,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.