Geotechnical Engineering Intern

At MacKay, we believe great people are the foundation of our growth and success.

We are in an exciting phase of expansion, creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers. Whether your role is technical or part of our support services team, you play an important role in delivering high-quality work and helping our projects succeed.

Nelson Geotechnical Associates is seeking a Geotechnical Engineering Intern to join our team for Summer-Fall 2026 in Woodinville, WA.

Candidates should be currently enrolled in a geotechnical engineering, geology, or related program, with a preference given to those entering their senior year. Recent graduates preparing for geotechnical careers are also encouraged to apply. This paid internship will last approximately 3–6 months and is designed to provide hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering, including field investigations, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis for a variety of projects.

At Nelson Geotechnical Associates, we’re always looking for ways to help you grow in your career. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and geologists, contributing to real projects while developing practical skills in construction observation, subsurface exploration, soil and material testing, and technical report preparation. We’re eager to teach you new skills that will help you grow in your career!

We live by our core values of honesty, dedication, and relationships. We make decisions every day based on these values, which drive us to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Our vision is to work with cool people on cool projects, and we want people on our team who will add to the realization of our goals.

We encourage you to ask around about us. Do some digging. We’re confident that you’ll want to learn more.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction monitoring to ensure compliance with project specifications and geotechnical recommendations.

• Conduct laboratory testing on soil and material samples.

• Prepare detailed field reports documenting site conditions, observations, and testing results.

• Support geotechnical site investigations, including subsurface exploration and data collection.

• Develop practical experience in how to resolve engineering problems and adapt approved engineering methods and standards.

• Build foundational experience in how to review and interpret plans, site layouts, specifications or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.

• Meet deadlines, communicate and work closely in a team environment

• Prepare engineering designs and specifications on assigned portions of a project accurately and in a timely manner.

• Assist in the analysis of complex engineering data such as preliminary specifications, laboratory data, and other technical data.

• Communicate field observations clearly through written reports and verbal updates to project teams.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled or a recent graduate of an accredited Bachelor of Science degree with major coursework in geotechnical engineering, geology, or a related field.

• Excellent computer, writing, communication and customer service skills.

• Experience using Microsoft 365 including Word and Excel.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and crouch on various terrain at job sites.

• Ability to regularly lift up to 50lbs.

• Experience with engineering computer applications such as AutoCAD Civil 3D preferred.

• EIT certification or ability to sit for the FE exam within 12 months of hire preferred.

• Valid driver’s license required.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

• Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.

• Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.

• Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

About Nelson Geotechnical Associates

Nelson Geotechnical Associates, has joined MacKay.  Nelson, based in Woodinville, WA,  with a presence in Wenatchee, WA, brings a strong reputation for geotechnical engineering services across the Pacific Northwest, along with long-standing client relationships and a team known for quality and responsiveness. Nelson is known for its work in geotechnical engineering, including subsurface investigations, foundation design, slope stability analysis, and construction support services.

By joining forces, we’re expanding our ability to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions across more projects and communities. It also strengthens our capabilities in a core service area and enhances how we support our clients across the region.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.

The wage for this position depends on experience and education.

US Pay Range

$22—$25 USD

Full-time employees receive a well-rounded benefit package including access to our company-sponsored Medical (including an HSA High Deductible option), Dental, Vision, FSA, and Supplemental Life Insurance plans. We also offer 100% company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage. Employees are eligible to participate in our company's 401(k) plan with up to a 4% match. Additionally, employees receive paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, and are able to participate in employee ownership options. MacKay pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual performance bonuses.

Employment requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

As a federal contractor, we participate in E-Verify and are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Open until filled.