Internship – Geotechnical Engineer (Hybrid)

The role – what you’ll do

Barr is seeking a geotechnical engineering intern to join our innovative and collaborative team of more than 90 geotechnical engineers and geologists for the summer of 2027. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design business unit, working with multidisciplinary project teams and providing geotechnical engineering and related technical expertise. Work may include tasks related to geotechnical computer modeling and fieldwork to gain real-life, hands-on experience.

A successful person in this role is motivated and emphasizes client service by providing quality deliverables. They enjoy working independently and as part of a team, using their expertise and technical skills to add to each project. They are flexible in working with their project teams and are willing to occasionally modify schedules to meet project deadlines and client needs. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills, including scheduling, prioritizing, and follow-up, are key to success. Additionally, this role requires the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse audiences.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Field support: provide on-site support for construction observation, material testing, surveying, and subsurface investigations. Perform geotechnical field investigations including collecting field samples and performing field logging of exploratory test borings.

• Technical knowledge: perform basic engineering calculations and analysis, develop details of design, assist in the design of solutions, monitor construction projects, and prepare drawings, specifications, and sketches.

• Project management support: assist with planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to project managers and clients. 

• Communication: demonstrate strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients.

• Interpersonal savvy: effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to align technical work with project objectives while fostering strong, productive working relationships.

About the opportunity

• Timeline: this internship opportunity runs for approximately three months starting in the summer of 2027. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate class schedules, finals, and holidays.

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Minneapolis, Minnesota, office.

• Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.

• Work environment: ability to work in locations that have rough terrain typical of construction sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: ongoing enrollment in an ABET-accredited geotechnical, civil (with a geotechnical emphasis), or geological engineering degree program and coursework or research related to advanced soil mechanics. Must have a minimum of one full-time semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining after the internship and have taken at least two semesters of physics and three semesters of mathematics.

• Software: Microsoft Windows OS and Microsoft Office software.

• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Ability to rent a vehicle for out-of-town assignments.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Compensation: Anticipated range of $22.66–$30.46 hourly. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.