Fall Project Engineer Co-Op

About Company:

American Contracting & Environmental Services (ACE) is a general contractor specializing in self-perform construction of water and wastewater treatment facility construction. They are a premier builder of these projects in the Mid-Atlantic and have recently opened offices in Richmond and Chesapeake, VA and Buffalo, NY.  They find success through focusing on continuous improvement and investing in the professional development of their employees.  ACE has steadily grown over the past 21 years and they are consistently ranked a Top 200 Environmental Contractor by Engineering & News Record (ENR). Through continually enhancing their work processes, they produce the highest quality finished product for their clients. These efforts result in a challenging and rewarding environment as ACE's daily work preserves and improves our world‘s most precious resource – water!

About the Role:

The Project Engineer Co-Op offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in managing and supporting engineering projects from inception through completion. This fall co-op runs from August through January, providing students with an extended opportunity to immerse themselves in the construction and engineering industry while gaining real-world project experience. Co-op students will collaborate closely with experienced engineers and project managers to help ensure projects meet technical specifications, timelines, and budgetary constraints. This role is designed to develop your understanding of project lifecycle management, including planning, coordination, and problem-solving within a dynamic engineering environment. You will contribute to the preparation of technical documentation, assist in the analysis of project data, and support communication between cross-functional teams. Ultimately, this co-op aims to equip you with practical skills and insights that will serve as a strong foundation for a career in engineering project management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles and project management concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with project management software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Familiarity with CAD software or other engineering design tools.
• Previous internship or project experience in an engineering or construction setting.
• Basic understanding of budgeting and cost control in projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and review of project plans, schedules, and budgets to support engineering initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to gather and analyze technical data, ensuring project requirements are met.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor project progress and help identify potential risks or issues, proposing solutions to maintain project timelines.
• Participate in meetings with project teams and clients to facilitate effective communication and coordination.

Skills:

The required skills such as proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication abilities are essential for preparing project documentation, analyzing data, and facilitating clear communication among team members. Preferred skills like familiarity with project management software and CAD tools enhance your capability to contribute more effectively to technical planning and design tasks. Analytical and problem-solving skills are applied daily to identify project challenges and develop practical solutions that keep projects on track. Collaboration skills enable you to work seamlessly with diverse teams, ensuring alignment and efficient progress. Overall, these skills collectively support your growth as a competent project engineer capable of managing complex engineering projects.