Construction Materials Testing/Engineering Intern - Summer 2027
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Seasonal, Full time
- Job ID 3275
Terracon's Des Moines office is looking for students in the civil or construction degree programs who might be interested in a summer internship. Internships run from May-August. Co-Ops are also available that run from May to December. We have multiple positions all across the US.
Here are some exciting details about our internship program:
The Terracon internship programs will support our Materials service line. In this program, you will take part in an exciting, fun, and meaningful work experience as you work alongside some of the brightest engineering minds and state-of-the-art technology in the materials engineering industry. You will not only learn and advance technically but will also be provided with opportunities for professional development. You will be assigned a leader/mentor in the materials engineering field. The mentor will help you with career planning along with technical skill development. You will learn how our line of business interacts with the client and how we differ from design engineers. You will learn what consulting engineering is all about!
You will also have the opportunity to participate in a cohort. The cohort is a way for you to connect with other interns across the company, and learn about their experiences. This is also a great way for you to start building your professional network!
Our summer concludes with a fun and engaging summit where you will meet leaders, learn more about how to grow a career at Terracon, and build stronger relationships with your peers.
You will learn how to:
- Effectively write a proposal
- Provide a high level of client experience to our clients
- Correctly manage change orders
- Execute projects safely, accurately, and profitably
Topics will include project management, project execution, and client development.
By working closely with your mentor and our experienced technicians, you will have hands on experience:
- Learning site safety and safe work practices
- Performing sampling or testing as directed.
- Providing assistance to other field and/or laboratory personnel
- Transporting equipment, specimens or documents to field personnel, laboratory, clients or other offices, and providing physical assistance in equipment set-up.
- Assisting technicians or professional staff on routine tasks
- Learning industry standard proposals and report writing practices
- Be exposed to client interaction
- Understanding test procedures (ASTM, DOT, COE, etc.)
- Preparing reports
- Learning how to communicate test results to clients
- Learning about laboratory organization, scheduling, and efficiency
- Learn about quality management systems and procedures
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil or construction engineering
- Interest in consulting and fieldwork
- Demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and alignment with Terracon’s values
- A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required
Terracon’s internship program gives students the opportunity to turn classroom learning into meaningful, real‑world experience while working alongside professionals who are shaping the built environment. Interns are trusted to contribute to real client projects, gain exposure across Terracon’s service lines, and develop practical consulting skills with the guidance of a dedicated mentor. Through hands‑on work, professional development, and connection with peers nationwide, interns build confidence, expand their networks, and learn what it means to be an employee owner. The program prepares students to launch their careers with industry‑relevant experience, a strong professional foundation, and a clear path for future growth.