Balfour Beatty
California Project Engineer Intern - Summer 2026
Summary
At Balfour Beatty in California, we are seeking construction interns. We are looking for candidates who are interested in a hands-on internship experience with a commercial construction company. If you have a passion for what you do, a strong drive to achieve results, the ability to solve problems creatively, and a dedication to client service and relationship management, we invite you to join us.
Salary Range
$22.00 - $29.00 an hour
Essential Functions
- Learn about managing the project budget by controlling expenditures, coordinating owner and subcontractor billings, identifying work not covered by subcontractor, and ensuring successful office support related to overall cost and schedule.
- Learn about Safety and Quality Control programs and how to coordinate actions to address problems.
- Learn about company procedures, the correspondence process and handling, etc.
- Learn how to review and process submittal data and shop drawings.
- Understand how to coordinate submittals, deliveries, etc. that affect the project schedule with the Superintendent.
- Monitor/review weekly and monthly status reports and weekly subcontractor meeting minutes, change orders, etc. to understand process.
- Understand change documents and change proposal requests for price review.
- May join other team members at meetings with architect and owner representatives to understand information required by owner, necessary progress reports and summaries, and how action plans from owner/architect meetings address all outstanding issues related to the project.
- Learn how changes, clarifications, directives, RFIs, etc. are updated on “as-built” plans and coordinated with company supervision and subcontractors/suppliers.
- Learn how to maintain RFI logs and change request log.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a Construction Management , Engineering, or related education program
- Prior internships or work experience helpful but not required.
- Able to develop new skills and knowledge quickly.
- Able to work 40 hours a week for the duration of the 12-week program
- Able to learn software systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite, Procore, Bluebeam.
- Participate in training, seminars, task team meetings, etc.
- Demonstrate expanding knowledge of construction details about miscellaneous metals, casework, doors, specialties, radiation protection, etc.
- Possess good self-organizational and management skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
About us
Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm®, we are challenging the construction industry’s assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.
Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).
Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.
Accessibility:
Phone: (214) 468-4700
Email:BBTalent@balfourbeattyus.com
All qualified 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.
View your Equal Employment Opportunity rights under the law:
“Know Your Rights” PosterPay Transparency Notice
Freqently Asked Questions
Mastering software like Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office is crucial for a California Project Engineer Intern. Additionally, understanding construction budget management, safety protocols, and submittal processing can set you apart in this competitive internship in El Cajon, CA.
This internship offers hands-on exposure to project coordination and budget oversight, foundational for advancing into project management or senior engineering roles. Gaining experience with real-world construction challenges at Balfour Beatty can accelerate your career trajectory in California’s growing construction sector.
Interns typically monitor project schedules, assist with submittal reviews, track change orders, and collaborate with subcontractors and superintendents. You’ll also engage in safety and quality control meetings, supporting hands-on learning crucial for understanding commercial construction workflows.
Balfour Beatty promotes innovation and zero harm® safety practices, ensuring interns experience a forward-thinking environment. Their commitment to diversity and lean construction techniques provides interns with exposure to industry-leading standards and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Interns here engage in comprehensive project budgeting and coordination, often participating in meetings with architects and owners. This level of exposure to client relationship management and change document processes distinguishes Balfour Beatty internships from more task-focused roles.
The internship pays between $22.00 and $29.00 per hour, reflecting competitive wages for construction engineering interns in the El Cajon area. This range aligns with local market standards for hands-on roles in commercial construction projects.
El Cajon’s strategic location near San Diego fosters steady demand for construction interns, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects. Compared to larger metros like Los Angeles, competition may be slightly less fierce, offering a balanced opportunity for hands-on learning.
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and proficiency in construction management software like Procore enhance internship prospects. Local employers also value knowledge of California-specific building codes and strong communication skills for client coordination.
The internship immerses you in budget control, schedule coordination, and quality assurance processes, mirroring actual project demands. Regular involvement in progress meetings and RFI management equips interns with practical problem-solving skills in dynamic construction environments.
Balfour Beatty offers structured training, seminars, and team meetings designed to expand technical knowledge and soft skills. Interns receive mentorship in navigating project documentation, client interactions, and construction software, fostering comprehensive professional growth.
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