Project Engineer Intern (Entry Level)

About the role

Align Builders is hiring an entry-level Project Engineer in San Diego County to learn the General Contractor role from the inside. You will work alongside a Project Manager and Superintendent who are invested in your development, and you will contribute real value to project teams from the start.

This is a full-time, in-office position for someone early in their construction career who is humble, hungry and sharp. We exist to improve the construction project environment by inspiring people to build together. You will help deliver healthcare, life science and higher education projects where the work has meaningful, lasting impact.

What you will do

You will support the project team across the full project lifecycle, taking on more ownership as your skills grow.

Assist the Project Manager and Superintendent in executing complex projects
Prepare RFIs for PM and Superintendent approval and log them on the construction drawings in Procore
Build and maintain the submittal registry and procurement log, and support the submittal review process against contract drawings and specifications
Pass critical information to the field, including the Superintendent and trade partners, to help keep the project on schedule
Learn to read and interpret plans, specifications and code, and support the Superintendent in confirming work complies with the design
Support the Superintendent with site logistics such as the trailer and temporary facilities
Support the Project Manager with cost management, reporting and subcontractor change orders
Prepare for weekly OAC, trade and pre-install meetings, take clear notes, review them with the PM or Project Engineer, then distribute the minutes
Keep project logs, monthly progress reports and Procore documents and drawings current
Learn how CPM updates, mapping sessions and pull plans work alongside the Superintendent and Project Manager
Support the closeout process, including owner training, punch list, as-builts, O&M manuals and warranties
Communicate project status clearly and professionally with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors and field personnel

How you will grow

Align develops builders with intention, mentorship and honest feedback. Your first 90 days follow the same path as our internship program, with more responsibility at each stage.

Month 1: Learn the environment. Get introduced to the construction environment and the Align approach to building. Complete safety training, including OSHA 30, and start learning plans, specifications and the Procore and Bluebeam workflow.
Month 2: Learn the GC role. Build your understanding of how the General Contractor connects the owner, design team and trade partners. Attend OAC, foreman and pre-install meetings, and learn the contract types, delivery methods and procurement log that drive a project.
Month 3: Own the workflow. Gain confidence navigating Procore and Bluebeam, posting and tracking RFIs, and processing submittals. Shadow the Superintendent on site and support PM reviews of prime agreements and subcontracts.

Your Project Manager and Superintendent will give you regular check-ins and direct feedback throughout.

Who you are

You align with our core values: principled, disciplined, hungry, positive, team-oriented and driven by Extreme Ownership.

A team player with a reputation for hard work and strong personal values
Humble, hungry and sharp, with the aptitude and passion to learn, listen and grow
Willing to be mentored by a Project Manager and Superintendent
Accountable, doing the right thing even when no one is looking
Quick to take responsibility and slow to assign blame
Positive and professional under pressure, responding thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally
Able to follow organizational process
Able to recognize quality workmanship, or eager to learn how
Disciplined in managing multiple tasks, prioritizing your time with urgency
A clear communicator, in writing and in person

Education and experience

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, engineering or a related field preferred but not required
0 to 1 years of experience; internship, co-op or other hands-on construction exposure is a plus
Interest in commercial construction, especially healthcare (OSHPD), life sciences, higher education and office improvements
Working skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore and Microsoft Project is a plus; we will train you
Willingness to complete OSHA 30 and site-specific safety training
Interpersonal skills to engage clients, team members and trade partners in a constructive way

Compensation and benefits

Pay: $25 per hour
Location: Multiple
Schedule: Full-time, onsite

Project Engineer Intern

About this role