Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Illinois are concentrated in transportation infrastructure, municipal water systems, and large-scale urban development, with demand anchored in Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria. Major employers with a lasting Illinois presence include AECOM, Burns & McDonnell, and the Illinois Department of Transportation, all of which run active internship programs. The most in-demand specialties are structural design, stormwater management, and transportation planning, reflecting the state's ongoing investment in transit and flood-resilient infrastructure. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Civil Engineering Intern jobs
At MacKay, we believe great people are the foundation of our growth and success.
We are in an exciting phase of expansion, creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers. Whether your role is technical or part of our support services team, you play an important role in delivering high-quality work and helping our projects succeed.
MacKay is seeking a Civil Engineering Interns to join our team in Chicago, IL for 10-12 weeks during the summer of 2027.
Candidates should be currently enrolled in a civil engineering or related program, with a preference given to those entering their senior year. The internship will provide valuable hands-on experience and may cover projects in areas such as water resources, energy, land development, municipal, mining, and more depending on the region.
We're always looking for ways to help you grow in your career by giving you tasks that stretch your abilities while providing you with the support to accomplish them . You'll work alongside experienced engineers, contributing to real projects while developing practical skills that will help you grow as an engineer!
This is an opportunity to learn what it's really like to work as a civil engineer while developing technical skills and building relationships with professionals across a multidisciplinary firm.
Responsibilities:
- Develop practical experience in how to resolve engineering problems and adapt approved engineering methods and standards
- Build foundational experience in how to review and interpret plans, site layouts, specifications or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Gain hands-on experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Meet deadlines, communicate and work closely in a team environment
- Prepare engineering designs and specifications on assigned portions of a project accurately and in a timely manner.
- Prepare cost estimates with quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or time and cost of labor to determine project feasibility or bond quantity amounts.
- Assist in the analysis of complex engineering data such as, design agreements, design calculations, preliminary specifications, and other technical data.
Qualifications:
- Must be currently enrolled or a recent graduate of an accredited Bachelor of Science degree with major coursework in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Excellent computer, writing, communication and customer service skills
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in civil engineering.
- Basic understanding of engineering principles and practices.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
- Willingness to learn new software, technologies, and technical skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with computer applications in Civil Engineering in AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Experience with stormwater modelling software (Preferred), such as WWHM2012, Autodesk SSA, Stormshed 3G, or HEC-RAS
- Familiarity with engineering principles related to site development, transportation, water resources, or other areas of civil engineering.
- Involvement in engineering-related student organizations, clubs, or projects.
Why Join MacKay?
A people-first culture
At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.
Meaningful work and real impact
Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.
Growth and opportunity
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.
A strong and trusted foundation
Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You'll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.
Opportunities to share in success
We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.
Our Values
At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.
Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.
Who We Are
MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.
Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.
We're looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.
Full-time employees receive a well-rounded benefit package including access to our company-sponsored Medical (including an HSA High Deductible option), Dental, Vision, FSA, and Supplemental Life Insurance plans. We also offer 100% company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage. Employees are eligible to participate in our company's 401(k) plan with up to a 4% match. Additionally, employees receive paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, and are able to participate in employee ownership options. MacKay pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual performance bonuses.
Employment requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
As a federal contractor, we participate in E-Verify and are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Open until filled.
See All 22 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineering Intern JobsCivil Engineering Intern Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Engineering Intern Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil engineering intern jobs across Illinois.
- Current enrollment in an ABET-accredited civil engineering bachelor's or master's program
- Completion of core coursework in structural analysis, fluid mechanics, or transportation engineering
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or comparable engineering design software
- Ability to work on active construction or field sites in compliance with Illinois safety standards
- Familiarity with Illinois Department of Transportation project specifications and documentation
- Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports and agency submittals
Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil engineering intern in Illinois?
The most direct path is enrollment in an ABET-accredited civil engineering program at an Illinois university, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Tech, or Purdue University Northwest. Most employers require completion of at least one year of core engineering coursework before hiring. While a full Professional Engineer license is not required at the intern stage, passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam, administered in Illinois through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Which companies hire civil engineering interns in Illinois?
Employers hiring civil engineering interns in Illinois right now include Kimley-Horn, WSP, and RS&H, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of infrastructure-focused firms, municipal agencies, and engineering consultancies means opportunities are spread from the Chicago metropolitan area to mid-size downstate cities.
Which Illinois cities have the most civil engineering intern jobs?
The cities with the most civil engineering intern openings in Illinois are Chicago, Darien, and Saint Charles. Chicago dominates due to its dense concentration of engineering consultancies, transit agencies, and large municipal projects, while cities like Rockford and Peoria attract intern demand through regional infrastructure work tied to manufacturing corridor upgrades and water system improvements.
Are there remote civil engineering intern jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Civil engineering intern work is largely hands-on, involving field visits, site assessments, and lab work that cannot be done remotely. About 45% of civil engineering intern openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and these tend to be concentrated in GIS analysis, CAD drafting, and data-heavy transportation planning tasks that don't require a physical presence on site.
How can I get hired as a civil engineering intern in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to structured internship programs run by the Illinois Department of Transportation or large Illinois-based consultancies like AECOM and Kimley-Horn, which recruit students as early as their sophomore year. Campus chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers at Illinois universities connect students to regional firms before graduation. Candidates who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early or complete AutoCAD and Civil 3D training gain a clear edge over applicants without those credentials.
Where can I find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the listings for roles that match your program, coursework, and availability, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 22 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineering Intern Jobs