Steel, Coatings, & NDT Co-Op

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May and requires a commitment to work full-time though early-December 2025.  There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.

Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real and you are an important part of the SME Team.

Technical Skills Required:

• Basic Computer Literacy: Our Co-ops must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
• To be considered, you must have a good driving record.
• Must be able to comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outside at construction project sites, in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
• A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.
• All SME Team Members must demonstrate a focus on Safety in the work we do. Our Co-ops are expected to adhere to industry and SME safety standards and encourage safe work behaviors while on the job.

Preferred Behavioral Traits:

• Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is important when reviewing construction plans or other project documents. As such, the ability to pay attention to the accuracy of these details for reporting is necessary.
• While specific in-field experience may not be required, we are looking for good problem-solvers. Showcasing your ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is valuable.
• Time management: You must be able to showcase your ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for motivated self-starters, and punctual hard workers.
• Communication Skills: Co-ops are expected to have good written, organizational, and oral communication skills. Co-ops should demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Learning Attitude and Safety Minded: Successful Co-ops demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and adapt.

 Responsibilities:

Your primary responsibilities would be to work as part of a team performing inspections for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on their ancillary structures along the states’ major roadways. Additional responsibilities could include field testing and specialty reviews on or within various building projects, manufacturing facilities, fabrication shops, and other constructions site locations. Field reviews may include review and material testing services related to structural steel components, load testing of anchors, or assisting with concrete, soil, or other testing as needed to support other services groups within SME. You may also have opportunities to assist with laboratory testing, including welder performance and procedure qualifications, high strength bolts and anchor rods, load testing of assemblies, and ASTM testing of other various construction material. This position may require travel to sites throughout Michigan, with consideration given to assigning you to projects close to your base office, and occasional travel to sites outside Michigan.  Occasional overtime, weekend work, and out-of- town, overnight travel will be required to meet our clients’ needs.