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Intern Project Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Office Coordinator

Hickory, NC · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

... Division Engineering employees at the Hickory Manufacturing and Technology Center team at our ... Support new employee and intern onboarding, including office preparation, welcome materials, and ...

Office Coordinator

Hickory, NC · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

... Division Engineering employees at the Hickory Manufacturing and Technology Center team at our ... Support new employee and intern onboarding, including office preparation, welcome materials, and ...

Office Coordinator

Hickory, NC · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

... Division Engineering employees at the Hickory Manufacturing and Technology Center team at our ... Support new employee and intern onboarding, including office preparation, welcome materials, and ...

Intern Project Engineer information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$9

$17

$26

How much do intern project engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern project engineer in Hickory, NC is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern project engineer do?

An Intern Project Engineer supports engineering teams by assisting in the planning, design, and execution of projects. Typical tasks may include preparing project documentation, coordinating between departments, conducting site visits, and performing data analysis. The role is designed to give students or recent graduates practical experience in engineering project management while working under the supervision of experienced engineers. Intern Project Engineers learn industry standards, develop technical skills, and gain insight into the project's lifecycle from conception to completion.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an intern project engineer?

As an Intern Project Engineer, you can expect to assist in coordinating engineering project activities, such as preparing technical documentation, supporting senior engineers with design or site visits, and tracking project progress. Interns often work alongside multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to project management processes, client communication, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. The role is hands-on and offers valuable experience in applying engineering principles, making it a great stepping stone for a full-time engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern project engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Project Engineer, you need a foundational knowledge in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and academic progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and basic understanding of industry-specific codes or standards is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in collaborative project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting project teams, learning on the job, and contributing to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Intern Project Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectIntern Project EngineerProject Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering or related programBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, some experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role, learning-focused, supervised by senior staffResponsible for project planning, coordination, and execution
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with tasks, gaining industry knowledgeManaging project phases, liaising with teams and clients

The Intern Project Engineer role is an entry-level, learning position for students or recent graduates, focusing on support and skill development. The Project Engineer is a more experienced role with responsibilities for managing parts of projects, requiring relevant education and some experience. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Intern Project Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Intern Project Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Intern Project Engineer job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,969 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Project Engineer Assistant - Hickory

Hickory, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Wooten Company's Hickory Office is seeking a team-focused, innovative Project Engineer Assistant.
Who are you?
The ideal candidate will have a civil or environmental engineering education and a strong interest in civil design projects, which may include water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, and / or other municipal engineering needs. You are a recent graduate of a civil, environment, or water resources engineering program and have already passed your Fundamentals of Engineering exam, or plan to do so in the very near future, or you are an Engineering Intern working on your path towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. You are seeking to kick start your engineering career with an exciting company that can provide a diverse array of project experience for you to dip your toes into.
What will you be doing?
Candidates can expect to work alongside a Project Engineer with projects involving primarily the public sectors. The person in this role can make a significant impact by supporting our clients as they carry out their mission and their business. Candidates can expect to be given the opportunity to develop solutions, using cutting edge technology along with existing infrastructure, and working within the financial boundaries of the client to create solutions which allow clients to provide essential services to their communities.
Who will you be working with?
The Project Engineer Assistant can expect cross functional collaboration across all teams and specialties, providing an opportunity to interact with The Wooten Company colleagues in both North and South Carolina. For the right person with a desire to grow professionally, this role is a good opportunity for professional development and to contribute to the growing presence of Wooten in the North and South Carolina regions.
Where will you be working?
This regional office is in the lovely City of Hickory, NC, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the 1850s, beneath a huge hickory tree, Henry Robinson built a tavern of logs, which eventually became the City of Hickory in 1889. Hickory is a bustling small city with a lot of Southern charm, situated conveniently between the larger cities of Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. With a thriving artist community, plenty of outdoor parks, historical architecture, and great cost of living, the Catawba County region is not only a great place to work, but a great place to call home.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assist with the following -
  1. Water distribution systems design
  2. Wastewater collection systems design, including pump design
  3. Grading & drainage calculations
  4. Sedimentation and erosion control design
  5. Utility assessments
  6. Permitting and code research
  • Complete design work using AutoCAD / Civil 3D software.
  • Participate in occasional fieldwork to observe / sit in review meetings and complete site inspections.
  • Expect to have daily interaction and occasional travel with project managers, clients, and regulatory permitting agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. Civil or Environmental Engineering from ABET accredited college or university
  • EI Certification with ambition to obtain Professional Engineer license
  • 0-3 years of industry relevant professional experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Strong verbal and writing skills.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD / Civil 3D is a plus.
  • Self-motivated, and a strong willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local agency regulations is a plus.
  • Possess a growth mindset, strong work ethic, pleasant attitude.

ABOUT THE WOOTEN COMPANY
We are a multi-disciplinary firm dedicated to providing engineering, geomatics and architectural services to municipalities, counties, water and sewer authorities, educational institutions, and private industry across the Carolinas. We provide our clients with consulting for civil / environmental engineering, mechanical / electrical / plumbing engineering, architecture, and GIS / surveying services. These departments collaborate with our team of funding specialists to provide financing assistance for many local government projects, and we pride ourselves on having helped raise over $600 million in grants and loans for infrastructure improvements and community enhancements. As communities across North and South Carolina face ever changing environmental and economic challenges, we remain dedicated to providing and improving the infrastructure necessary to remain one of the country's best places to live, work, and raise a family.
COMPANY BENEFITS
  • Medical, dental, vision options to fit your needs - High-Deductible Health Plan and traditional PPO plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Company paid life and AD&D insurance, plus supplemental life insurance options.
  • Company paid short- and long-term disability.
  • Paid Holidays and PTO.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

PERKS & TOOLS TO SUCCEED
  • Continuing Education / Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Registration and Organization Reimbursement Program
  • Summer Hours - flexible work schedules so you can enjoy the sunshine!
  • Branded clothing reimbursement program
  • Employee Appreciation Events
  • Job Type: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
The Wooten Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES, PLEASE NOTE
The Wooten Company will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting / search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at The Wooten Company via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of The Wooten Company. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by The Wooten Company as a result of the referral or through other means.