Geotechnical & Materials Engineering Intern

The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$19.036
Job Posting:
JR2026-00028824 Geotechnical & Materials Engineering Intern (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-02-2026
Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Materials & Research Division has an exciting opportunity for an engineering Geotechnical & Materials Engineering Intern. If you are a student looking to gain valuable experience towards your engineering career, join our team where you will find a collaborative environment with positive on the job training and mentorship. This position can help you develop skills and knowledge in geotechnical and materials engineering with a blend of field, laboratory, and design work.
As a member of the NDOT team, you'll be part of an organization that is responsible for planning, developing, designing, constructing, maintaining, and administering the state highway system. Our mission is to preserve the billions of dollars that Nebraskans have invested in their state highway system while making the highways safe and efficient, all while completing projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Job Duties:
Assist with identification and classification of Nebraska soils.
Document soil explorations and generate reports.
Help analyze, design, and inventory a variety of foundation and retaining structures.
Collect in-situ samples of soils and pavements.
Gain hands on experience with a wide variety of lab testing related to soils, aggregate, steel, concrete, and asphalt.
Prepare for and participate in project inspections, load testing, and planning efforts alongside experts.
Learn and develop valuable skills in construction plan reading, review, and drafting.
Develop experience with specialized engineering analysis tools and software.
Participate in ongoing department research efforts.
Assist with other duties throughout the Materials and Research Division as assigned and interested.
Requirements / Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Must be a three-fourths student in good standing majoring in a discipline or field related to the work to be assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
A second- or third-year student majoring in engineering, with an interest in geotechnical and materials.
Willingness to learn, problem solve and adapt to a wide variety of responsibilities is essential.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who can learn new concepts quickly and enjoys changing challenges.
The broad focus of this position is the geotechnical field; however, our intention is to provide opportunity and experience as available in the materials discipline aligned with your interests including soils, concrete, and asphalt.
Other:
Applicants must be able to work at least 10 hours a week when classes are in session.
Temporary full-time employment may be available during scheduled school breaks.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to perform mathematic and simple engineering calculations in analysis and test reporting.
Ability to lift, push/pull and carry up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and uneven terrain.
Knowledge of CADD, GIS, and MS Office software.
Relevant coursework or research experience.
Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.