Summer Intern, Materials Engineering

Description

About the Internship

The Materials Engineering Unit is looking for field inspection and laboratory testing interns to join their team! The Materials Engineering Unit (MEU) is primarily responsible for providing quality acceptance inspection and testing of structural steel, welding, bolting, concrete, asphalt, masonry, reinforcement, soils, fireproofing, firestopping, coatings and chemical / environmental sampling, testing and analysis. We also perform laboratory testing and all of our laboratories are accredited by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) since 1997. MEU also has a condition surveys group that provides reports regarding existing conditions of asphalt, concrete, steel, and other materials at the request of our Design Division and / or Line Departments that aid in the design phase of contract development. Soil borings are also part of MEU's scope of work when existing soil conditions are requested by our Geotechnical designers. New materials are tested to verify physical properties and examine their behavior under different exposure conditions to determine if they meet our specifications for various applications.

This hands-on experience proves very useful in supplementing classroom studies and limited laboratory experience at college. It also provides an understanding of how structures and pavements are built and the importance of the properties we test for producing high quality infrastructure. Interns will learn where, what, why, when and how we test and inspect heavy construction materials.

Responsibilities

Field inspections and testing (under the supervision and guidance of subject matter experts and / or an experienced inspector) of concrete, asphalt, soils, structural steel welding and bolting in accordance with AASHTO and ASTM standards and applicable codes, preparing daily narratives, coordination with Contractors, reviewing contract drawings and specifications.

This work can be at any of the facilities that the Port Authority operates and maintains including bridges, tunnels, airports, ports, bus terminal, PATH commuter train and the World Trade Center site.

Some major projects we anticipate to be active during the summer of 2026 include JFK Int'l Airport Redevelopment roadways, parking garage and terminals, George Washington Bridge "Restore the George" program, the new AirTrain project at Newark Liberty Int'l Airport, restoring berths and roadways at Port Newark and Port Elizabeth, and the new Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Laboratory testing (under the supervision and guidance of a subject matter expert and / or an experienced laboratory technician) of concrete, asphalt and soils used on Port Authority construction projects in accordance with AASHTO and ASTM standards

Following on-site safety guidelines and best Materials Engineering practices.

Gain a better understanding of materials and how they perform and behave under various exposure conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship

Major in Engineering (Materials, Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, Construction Management, Environmental, or related discipline)

Possess a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Interest in contributing to the success of the New York and New Jersey region

Interest in public service and / or transportation

Willingness to learn

Internship Details

The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026

The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026

This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)

The internship requires interns to be fully in-person.

Selection Process

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted

If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews

Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

Compensation & Benefits

The hourly rate range is $18.07 to $30.31 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)

Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System

Access to Employee Business Resource Groups ()

Facility Tours

Career Panels

Social / Networking Events

REQNUMBER : 63920