Internship Construction Design Jobs in Tennessee

Are you a passionate problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment? Do you take pride in doing the right thing and delivering quality work with integrity? Are you excited to learn how construction projects come to life — from the first idea to the final walkthrough?

If you answered “Yes!” — this opportunity was built for you.

At ARCO Design/Build, we’re not just building structures — we’re building the next generation of industry leaders. Join us and discover what it means to be part of one of the nation’s top design/build construction firms.

Four core values that guide our culture:

• Treat people fairly and do the right thing
• Understand our customers’ business and solve their problems
• Be positive, upbeat, and have fun
• Create opportunities for individual financial success based on merit

Here’s what you’ll get as part of our internship/co-op program:

• Competitive hourly pay with overtime opportunities
• Housing stipend available based on need
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for interns working at least 3 months
• Professional development through training and mentorship
• Company-sponsored lunches, happy hours, and networking events
• Fully stocked kitchens with drinks and snacks
• A fun, inclusive work environment

We don’t just invest in projects — we invest in people. From your first day, you’ll be part of a team that values growth, connection, and doing great work.

ARCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members, interns, and co-ops.

As a Construction Design/Build Project Manager (DBM) Intern/Co-op, every day brings a new lesson. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project while working alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your growth.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Concept to Completion Approach – Gain how ARCO manages projects from the initial concept through final delivery.
• Estimating and Takeoffs – Learn to describe project proposals and assign accurate dollar values.
• Scheduling – Assist in creating timelines for subcontractors/trades activities.
• Design Meetings – Attend meetings with the owner and design team, including structural engineers and architects.
• Reporting – Prepare weekly reports, document progress, and track meeting action items.
• Shadowing – Join project calls and site meetings to observe how our Design/Build Managers lead.
• Buyout – Send bid instructions, schedules, and drawings to subcontractors. Evaluate proposals and assist with awarding subcontracts.
• Permitting – Complete and submit permit applications with necessary documents and fees to city/county/fire authorities.
• Shop Drawing & Submittal Review – Receive and route submittals to DBMs and communicate approvals to subcontractors.
• Billing – Learn about subcontracts, change orders, pay requests, and pay applications.
• Job Site Visits – Visit job sites with DBMs to monitor project progress.
• Training & Learning – Attend offsite trainings and biweekly learning sessions provided by the Learning and Development team.
• Business Development – Gain exposure to how we build client relationships and implement industry-wide business development strategies.

No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll leave this experience with valuable industry knowledge and a strong foundation for a future in construction.

• Enrolled in an accredited Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineering undergraduate or graduate program (other related engineering majors will be considered) 

• Driver’s License 

• Excellent verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic 

• Previous Co-op or Intern experience in construction preferred, but not required 

• GPA 3.0 or higher preferred, but not required 

With 38 offices nationwide, ARCO Design/Build is one of the fastest-growing construction firms in the country — and we’re just getting started. Ranked #3 on ENR’s Top 100 Design-Build Firms, we specialize in delivering high-quality industrial and commercial projects through a fully integrated approach. 

We’re proud to be 100% associate-owned, offering every full-time team member a stake in our success through our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP). 

Whether you're looking to gain experience, find mentorship, or launch your career, you’ll find more than just an internship here — you’ll find opportunity, impact, and a team that values your growth. From day one, the opportunity for success at ARCO is limitless.  

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from our Human Resources team. ARCO will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes or candidates sent directly to our hiring managers. 

#LI-TR1 #LI-Onsite

EOE, including disability/vets

• Enrolled in an accredited Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineering undergraduate or graduate program (other related engineering majors will be considered) 

• Driver’s License 

• Excellent verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic 

• Previous Co-op or Intern experience in construction preferred, but not required 

• GPA 3.0 or higher preferred, but not required