The posting
Position Summary
BIM is something we use. VDC is how we use digital information and technology to plan, coordinate, and improve how we build.
As a Virtual Design & Construction Intern at Pieper Electric, you will learn how Building Information Modeling (BIM) supports the larger Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process. You will gain hands-on experience using digital construction tools that support planning and field execution through model navigation, clash detection, constructability reviews, layout, and prefabrication.
Working alongside BIM Specialists, Detailing Specialists, Project Managers, field leaders, and other project partners, you will help develop and coordinate constructible electrical models and drawings that connect design information to how work is planned, fabricated, laid out, and installed in the field.
This internship is designed for students who enjoy technology, problem-solving, spatial thinking, and seeing how things are built. You do not need to know every BIM platform before joining us. We are looking for students who are curious, detail-oriented, willing to learn, and interested in understanding how digital models can be used to solve real construction challenges. Interns will receive guidance, feedback, and opportunities to take ownership of defined assignments under appropriate supervision.
Values and Ways of Working
At Pieper Electric, we believe in the Power to Serve and the Pursuit of Excellence. Our values, a Servant’s Heart, Wisdom, Integrity, Courage, Humility, and Passion, guide how we learn, collaborate, support the field, and serve our customers and teammates.
As an intern, you will be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, take initiative, and learn from experienced professionals while contributing to a safe and respectful team environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Safety and Field Engagement
- Complete required safety training and follow all company, customer, and jobsite requirements.
- Participate in supervised jobsite and prefabrication shop visits to understand how model information translates to installation.
- Learn how BIM supports safer planning, constructability, layout, prefabrication, and field execution.
- Promptly communicate safety concerns, field observations, or differences between modeled conditions and field conditions.
BIM Modeling and Model Navigation
- Learn to navigate, review, create, and update 3D electrical models using Revit and other company BIM platforms.
- Assist with modeling electrical systems and components in support of coordination, constructability, prefabrication, layout, and installation.
- Review project drawings, specifications, submittals, and other available project information to support accurate model development.
- Update models as design information, coordination decisions, and field conditions change.
- Prepare model views and information that help project and field teams understand planned installation.
Coordination, Clash Detection and Constructability
- Participate in BIM coordination and constructability reviews with project teams and trade partners.
- Learn how electrical systems are coordinated with architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and other building systems.
- Assist with identifying, documenting, and resolving clashes or spatial conflicts before installation.
- Review modeled routing and installation approaches with constructability, access, sequencing, and field execution in mind.
- Support approved model revisions resulting from coordination and constructability reviews.
Detailing, Layout and Field Execution
- Assist with coordinated drawings, installation details, layouts, point drawings, and other field-ready information generated from or supported by BIM.
- Learn to interpret electrical symbols, one-lines, schedules, construction drawings, and model information.
- Support digital and model-based layout activities used to accurately locate electrical work in the field.
- Help prepare clear information for field teams and incorporate field feedback into models and drawings as directed.
Prefabrication Support
- Learn how coordinated BIM content supports prefabrication and assembly planning.
- Assist with models, drawings, dimensions, material information, and documentation used to support prefabricated electrical assemblies.
- Participate in prefabrication shop visits to see how digital construction information becomes physical assemblies.
- Help maintain alignment between model information, prefabrication requirements, and planned field installation.
Project Documentation and BIM Quality
- Maintain organized and accurate models, drawings, revisions, and project files.
- Perform assigned model and drawing quality checks for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards.
- Support installation, record, and as-built documentation as directed.
- Follow company standards for file naming, version control, model organization, and documentation.
Communication and Team Collaboration
- Collaborate with BIM, detailing, project management, prefabrication, field, and trade partners.
- Participate in team and coordination meetings and track assigned follow-up items.
- Ask questions when project requirements, design intent, or model information are unclear.
- Seek feedback, apply lessons learned, and communicate changes or potential delays to assigned work.
- Contribute ideas that improve BIM workflows, constructability, coordination, or the flow of information to the field.
Learning and Continuous Improvement
- Participate in BIM software training, mentorship, and technical learning opportunities.
- Develop an understanding of how BIM fits within VDC and supports a project from preconstruction and coordination through prefabrication, installation, and closeout.
- Build familiarity with model navigation, clash detection, constructability reviews, layout, prefabrication, and other digital construction workflows.
- Explore career opportunities in BIM, detailing, VDC, and electrical construction.
- Complete a capstone or project assignment that provides a practical contribution to the team.
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in building information Modeling, Construction Management, Construction Technology, Architectural Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer-Aided Design, or a related field; equivalent technical education or relevant experience may be considered.
- Interest in BIM, digital construction, electrical construction, 3D modeling, coordination, or how buildings and infrastructure are planned and built.
- Exposure to, or willingness to learn, software such as Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Construction Cloud/BIM 360, Bluebeam, or other company BIM platforms.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
- Ability to read, or willingness to learn how to interpret, construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Previous construction, drafting, CAD, BIM, electrical, or related internship experience is helpful but not required.
Core Skills & Learning
- Commitment to safety, integrity, accuracy, and quality in all work.
- Curiosity, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and a willingness to learn new software, technical concepts, and construction methods.
- Strong organization, communication, teamwork, accountability, and ability to manage priorities and apply feedback.
- Develop hands-on experience with model navigation, electrical modeling, clash detection, constructability reviews, coordination, layout, prefabrication, and field-ready documentation.
- Understand the distinction between BIM and VDC: BIM provides the digital model and information; VDC applies that information, along with technology and collaborative processes, to improve how construction is planned, coordinated, and executed.
- Build the professional and technical foundation for a career in BIM, detailing, VDC, or electrical construction.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
The internship includes office-based computer work and may include jobsite or prefabrication shop visits, with some daily travel required depending on the assignment. Office responsibilities may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Jobsite visits may involve walking or standing for extended periods, stairs or uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions, noise, proximity to construction equipment, and required personal protective equipment. Jobsite activities will be performed under appropriate supervision and in accordance with company and customer safety requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals.
