Project Engineer Intern - Summer

PAY: $25/hour

LOCATION: On-site - Carlsbad, CA office and assigned project sites

OUR COMPANY

WE ARE GENUINE BUILDERS OF PEOPLE AND PLACES. We’re a San Diego based company who builds differently by blending large company experience with the personal approach of a boutique team. With millions of square feet of commercial improvements in our history our work stands in time, long after we have left the buildings we construct; allowing those who live and work in them to become storytellers of their own lives.

We promise quality and value anchored to the simple truths that people deserve to be respected for their ideas and contribution to making something world class. We’re enthusiastic about who we work with, we have a good time working, and we strive to build inspiring spaces.

OUR CORE VALUES

• Team Player – It takes all of us to achieve success. Own your role and help lift your team.
• Competitive – We love to win and hate to lose. Show up every day to win.
• Genuine – Be authentic and genuine.
• GSD! – Be productive and disciplined. Get it done!
• Grit – Lean in every day. Embrace the grit.

OUR SEARCH

Dempsey Construction is seeking a driven and committed Project Engineer Intern for Summer 2027 who is eager to learn, contribute to our team, and build a foundation for a career in commercial construction.

At Dempsey, our interns get Real Job Experience
. You’ll work directly with a Project Manager across multiple projects, spending time in our Carlsbad office and out in the field. You’ll take on meaningful assignments, contribute to active projects, and gain firsthand experience in how commercial buildings are planned, coordinated, and built.

We take pride in promoting from within and are committed to supporting the growth and development of our team members. This internship offers the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build practical skills, and explore a future with Dempsey Construction.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Work directly with a Project Manager supporting multiple commercial construction projects
• Gain hands‑on experience in both office‑based project management and field operations
• Participate in a weekly estimating training class covering each construction trade, its scope of work, and its role in the overall project
• Attend project meetings and site walks to learn how project teams coordinate work and resolve challenges
• Develop an understanding of project budgets, schedules, contracts, quality control, and safety

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Project Manager, the Project Engineer Intern supports the planning, administration, and execution of multiple commercial construction projects. The intern assists with estimating, subcontract documentation, submittals, RFIs, scheduling, cost tracking, change orders, and other project coordination activities.

Through assignments in the office and field, the intern will learn how drawings, specifications, budgets, schedules, and subcontractor scopes come together to deliver a successful project. This individual should be organized and task oriented, able to manage assigned priorities with guidance, and motivated to ask questions, receive feedback, and contribute to the team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Read and interpret construction plans, drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documents with guidance from the project team
• Help prepare, distribute, and track submittals and RFIs; maintain accurate logs and follow up on outstanding items
• Assist with quantity take‑offs and estimating for self‑performed and subcontracted work, including exposure to schematic estimating
• Participate in weekly estimating training to develop an understanding of construction trades, scopes of work,…