Engineering Internship - PennDOT - District 1 (College)

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking hardworking Civil, Construction, Environmental, or Structural Engineering students for employment during the summer months for the 2026 Summer Employment Program! These internships provide the opportunity to learn roadway, pavement, drainage, and bridge designs; construction and materials testing; traffic systems design and operations; or maintenance asset management methodologies. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing a public service, check out this opportunity and apply today!

Opportunities exist statewide! View PennDOT's District map to see where your home county lies.

As an Engineering Intern, you will gain exposure to various aspects of civil engineering, including roadway, pavement, drainage, and bridge design, as well as construction and materials testing, traffic systems design and operations, and maintenance asset management techniques. This internship provides a platform for enhancing your technical abilities, applying theoretical knowledge to practical projects, and collaborating with dedicated engineering professionals committed to innovation and quality. Become a part of the PennDOT team as a student intern and acquire essential experience that will serve as a strong foundation for a successful career.

Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be for Engineering District 1 which consists of Erie, Crawford, Warren, Mercer, Venango, and Forest counties.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from May 2026 through August 2026.
• Work schedule will vary due to vendor controlled hours.
• Compensation is credit based:
  • Less than 90 credits - $21.23/hour
  • Over 90 credits - $22.13/hour
• Travel may be required.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be currently enrolled or intending to enroll full-time or part-time in a two-year degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced degree program for the fall semester.
  • Acceptable majors:
    • Aerospace Engineering - Bureau of Aviation ONLY
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering - Lab Testing ONLY
    • Civil Engineering
    • Civil Engineering Systems
    • Civil Structural Engineering
    • Hydraulic Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Material Science
    • Any other Engineering discipline with the anticipation of obtaining 24 credits in Civil Engineering.
• Must be a Pennsylvania resident or currently enrolled at a Pennsylvania college or university.
• In good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher)
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

If you do not meet these requirements but are still interested in a summer position with PennDOT, please see the Student Summer Worker job posting to explore additional job opportunities. For example, if you intend to enroll in college for the first time in the Fall, you may be eligible for a Student Summer Worker position in DOT's Summer Employment Program!

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.