The posting
Field Engineer Intern – Marine Construction
Orion Location: Federal Way, Washington Compensation: $25.00 per hour Position Type: Internship
About Orion
Orion is a leading specialty construction company providing marine and heavy civil construction services throughout the United States and beyond.
Orion specializes in building, maintaining, and improving critical infrastructure, including ports, marine terminals, piers, docks, wharves, bridges, coastal structures, and other complex waterfront facilities. Our teams deliver challenging projects involving pile driving, deep foundations, marine structural concrete, and heavy civil construction.
As a self-performing contractor, Orion brings together experienced construction professionals, engineers, project managers, and skilled craft personnel to execute projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
At Orion, our guiding principles of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork are built on a foundation of Integrity. We are committed to developing the next generation of construction professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and meaningful project experience.
Position Summary
Orion is seeking motivated Field Engineer Interns to join our Pacific Region operations in Federal Way, Washington.
This internship offers college students pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or related disciplines an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the marine and heavy civil construction industry.
Interns will participate in Orion's project management, estimating, and professional development activities while working alongside experienced Project Managers, Project Engineers, Field Engineers, Superintendents, and construction professionals.
The program provides exposure to both field operations and office-based project management responsibilities, allowing interns to gain a well-rounded understanding of how complex marine construction projects are planned, managed, executed, and successfully completed.
Areas of experience may include construction planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement, project cost tracking, reading construction drawings and specifications, coordinating subcontractors and suppliers, and supporting day-to-day field operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in building a long-term career in marine construction, heavy civil infrastructure, or construction project management.
Specific Responsibilities
Field Assignment
- Work at assigned Orion marine and heavy civil construction jobsites to gain firsthand experience in construction operations and project execution.
- Assist Project Engineers, Field Engineers, and Superintendents with daily field activities and project coordination.
- Observe and learn marine construction methods, equipment operations, and field procedures associated with ports, terminals, docks, bridges, pile driving, and marine foundations.
- Support construction planning, daily reporting, documentation, and progress tracking.
- Assist with field measurements, quantity verification, material tracking, and quality control activities.
- Learn the responsibilities of various skilled craft positions and how field teams coordinate to complete construction activities.
- Participate in project meetings, safety discussions, and field inspections.
- Gain an understanding of construction sequencing, equipment utilization, productivity, and project scheduling.
- Work collaboratively with project teams to support safe, efficient, and successful project execution.
Office Assignment
- Assist the Project Management team with the planning, coordination, and execution of ongoing and upcoming marine construction projects.
- Support the preparation of bid packages, cost estimates, and project proposals.
- Assist with estimating labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor services, and other construction-related costs.
- Review construction drawings, engineering plans, contract documents, and technical specifications.
- Support project scheduling, progress reporting, and cost tracking activities.
- Assist with procurement activities, including obtaining supplier quotations, coordinating material purchases, and tracking deliveries.
- Participate in project documentation, reporting, and administrative activities.
- Communicate and coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Superintendents, suppliers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
- Gain exposure to project budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and overall project management processes.
- Assist with project closeout documentation and other activities required for successful project completion.
- Perform additional technical and administrative responsibilities as assigned by project leadership.
Safety and Environmental Responsibilities
Safety is a core value at Orion, and every employee plays an important role in maintaining a safe work environment.
- Actively participate in Orion's safety and environmental programs and initiatives.
- Follow all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations, along with company policies and procedures.
- Wear and properly maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Identify and promptly report unsafe conditions, hazards, incidents, and potential safety concerns.
- Exercise stop-work authority whenever unsafe conditions or activities are observed or anticipated.
- Participate in safety orientations, training sessions, toolbox talks, and jobsite safety meetings.
- Maintain responsibility for personal safety and contribute to the safety of coworkers and others on the project.
- Support compliance with environmental requirements and responsible construction practices.
- Maintain confidentiality of company, customer, project, and proprietary information.
Position Requirements
Education
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated interest in marine construction, heavy civil construction, engineering, or construction project management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Academic coursework in construction management, estimating, scheduling, engineering fundamentals, construction materials, project controls, or related subjects.
- Familiarity with construction drawings, plans, specifications, and basic engineering principles.
- General knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Exposure to construction scheduling, estimating, or project management software is beneficial.
- Previous construction, engineering, or field experience is preferred but not required.
- Interest in working on marine infrastructure, waterfront construction, bridges, foundations, and heavy civil projects.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to learn from experienced construction professionals and skilled craft personnel.
- Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and safety.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and adapt to changing project priorities.
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to take initiative.
- Ability to work collaboratively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Willingness to work outdoors and visit active marine construction jobsites.
Physical/Mental Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Field assignments may require working in active marine construction environments, including waterfront facilities, barges, vessels, docks, and other construction locations.
Interns may be required to:
- Walk, climb, and navigate active construction jobsites, including accessing barges, boats, vessels, and dock facilities.
- Stand, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, climb, or sit for extended periods.
- Climb ladders and access elevated work areas, including heights of approximately 40–50 feet.
- Work in confined spaces or elevated locations when properly trained and authorized.
- Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds when required.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, temperatures, and marine environments.
- Wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, personal flotation devices, and other equipment as required.
- Remain calm and respond appropriately during emergency situations.
- Safely operate passenger vehicles when authorized to travel between project locations.
What You Can Expect From Your Internship
At Orion, our internship program is designed to provide meaningful construction experience rather than simply observing from the sidelines.
Interns will have opportunities to:
- Gain hands-on experience with active marine and heavy civil construction projects.
- Work directly with experienced Project Managers, Project Engineers, Field Engineers, and field leadership.
- Learn how large-scale infrastructure projects progress from estimating and preconstruction through execution and closeout.
- Develop practical skills in project coordination, estimating, scheduling, cost control, and construction operations.
- Build an understanding of self-perform construction and the importance of coordinating labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
- Develop professional relationships and gain valuable industry exposure.
- Explore potential long-term career opportunities with Orion following graduation.
Candidate Response
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply through Orion's official careers website:
https://www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com/about-us/careers-at-orion
Candidates must meet the minimum educational and position requirements to be considered.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Orion Group Holdings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Orion is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and professional work environment where employees and interns have opportunities to learn, contribute, and develop their careers.
