SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May and requires a commitment to work full-time though early-December 2025. There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real, and you are an important part of the SME Team.Technical Skills Required:
- Basic Computer Literacy: Our Co-ops must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
- To be considered, you must have a good driving record and must be able to comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
- Ability to work outside at project sites under going due-diligence and during construction, in various weather conditions.
- Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
- Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
- A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.
- Willing to travel and work at various site locations throughout lower to mid-Michigan, and work overtime.
Preferred Behavioral Traits:
- Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is important when reviewing construction plans or other project documents. Ability to pay attention to the accuracy of details in reporting is a requirement.
- While specific in-field experience may not be required, we are looking for good problem-solvers. Showcasing your ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is valuable.
- Time management: You must be able to showcase your ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for motivated self-starters, and punctual hard workers.
- Communication Skills: Co-ops are expected to have good written, organizational, and oral communication skills. Co-ops should demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
- Learning Attitude: Successful Co-ops demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
- Safety Minded: All SME Team Members demonstrate a focus on safety in the work we do. Our Co-ops are expected to adhere to industry and SME safety standards and encourage safe work behaviors while on the job.
Responsibilities:You will gain exposure to a wide variety of geotechnical engineering projects. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with design professionals, construction managers, and contractors. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Assisting project managers and geotechnical engineers with a variety of geotechnical projects;
- Performing field-related reconnaissance;
- Performing vibration monitoring during and prior to construction projects;
- Geophysical testing of subsurface conditions;
- Planning and scheduling drilling and geotechnical investigation projects;
- Performing geotechnical field and laboratory testing; and
- Evaluating soils and construction materials; and
- Preparing written technical reports and communicating your findings and test results to project team members.
- Construction observation of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and horizontal auger boring (HAB) projects
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)