Research Development Intern Jobs in Evanston, IL

At CKL Engineers, we believe the most impactful marketing happens long before a proposal is submitted. It begins with early capture planning: understanding clients, anticipating opportunities, building relationships, and positioning our team to win.

That's why we're building our next generation of Business Development and proposals talent through our Early Capture Program. This internship is designed for marketing students who want real-world experience where marketing, strategy, and business development intersect.

Instead of making coffee or filing paperwork, you'll contribute to actual pursuits that shape transportation infrastructure throughout the Midwest and Southeast U.S.

This internship is designed to develop future AEC marketing professionals, potentially providing a pathway toward full-time employment after graduation.

CKL is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida.  We provide engineering and construction management services to a variety of public and private clients. CKL is looking for talented leaders to build upon our strengths and grow locally, regionally, and nationally. 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

As an Early Capture Program Intern, you'll gain exposure to every stage of the business development lifecycle, including:

• Research upcoming public infrastructure opportunities before they are advertised
• Identify target clients, agencies, and decision-makers
• Monitor capital improvement programs and procurement forecasts
• Help organize capture strategies and opportunity tracking
• Support pursuit planning meetings

• Assist with the development of Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), proposals, and interview materials
• Coordinate resumes, project descriptions, graphics, and supporting documentation
• Learn industry best practices for proposal production
• Help ensure quality control and brand consistency

• Assist with website updates and marketing campaigns
• Support photography, project highlights, and company storytelling
• Help maintain marketing assets and templates

• Conduct market and competitor research
• Build client profiles
• Research teaming partners
• Track transportation funding opportunities
• Support pursuit tracker updates

• Learn and utilize software such as Adobe InDesign
• Assist in producing professional marketing collateral
• Create presentation materials and graphics
• Maintain visual consistency across all branded documents

SCHEDULE:

• Hybrid work environment
• Part-time during the academic year
• Full-time during summer break
• Flexible scheduling around classes

BONUS:

Students active in Divine Nine (NPHC) organizations will have the opportunity to continue internship involvement while attending:

• National Conventions
• Boules
• Conclaves
• Founders' Day celebrations

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

We're looking for someone who is:

• Pursuing a degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, or a related field
• Sophomore or Junior preferred
• Curious about how businesses actually win work
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills
• A strong writer and communicator
• Comfortable learning new software and technology
• Interested in both creative marketing and strategic business development
• Able to manage multiple deadlines
• Self-motivated and eager to learn

Previous experience with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful, but not required: we're happy to teach motivated students.

WHO WE ARE:

CKL ENGINEERS, LLC is one of the fastest growing engineering services providers in the Midwest. Our company of engineers, construction management professionals and material technicians work on a variety of aviation, tolls and highway projects for multiple municipalities.  Our talented engineers work with our clients to deliver projects that are locally impactful. 

CKL ENGINEERS, LLC provides a hybrid workplace environment while meeting client needs. We offer benefits that include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as 401k – which benefits employees both in the short and long term. 

Build great infrastructure with #TeamCKL

THIRD PARTY ADVISORY

CKL Engineers will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. CKL will assume the rights of any unsolicited resumes submitted to hiring managers or our leadership team, and we will have the right to hire that candidate without any compensation being owed to the recruiter, employment agency, or other third party.