AutoCAD Designer Internship at RETTEW – Allentown, Pennsylvania

RETTEW is seeking an Assistant Designer to join our Land Development Team as part of our ASPIRE Internship Program. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting real projects, working alongside engineers, designers, and technical staff. You will gain practical experience in site design and consulting while building skills that prepare you for a career in engineering or technical design.

About RETTEW

At RETTEW, we bring our clients’ goals to life through engineering, environmental, and safety expertise. With a strong presence across Pennsylvania, we support projects in land development, transportation, energy, and water and wastewater. We act like owners, value relationships, and strive for excellence in everything we do, while creating opportunities for our employees to grow and succeed.

Work Environment

Workplace designation: Hybrid work environment with a mix of in-office collaboration and flexibility.

Location: Allentown, PA

RETTEW ASPIRE Internship Program

As part of RETTEW’s ASPIRE Internship Program, you will gain more than just project experience. This structured program is designed to support your professional growth and provide a well-rounded introduction to the engineering consulting industry.

ASPIRE Brochure

Through ASPIRE, interns:

• Work on real projects that impact communities
• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals
• Participate in learning sessions and professional development activities
• Gain exposure to multiple disciplines and career paths within RETTEW
• Build connections with peers and leaders across the organization
• Participate in a program designed for students pursuing both traditional engineering degrees and technical or trade-based programs

Position Summary: What You’ll Do

As an Assistant Designer, you will support the Land Development team with design tasks, drafting, and project coordination. You will gain exposure to site design, permitting, and engineering workflows while contributing to real deliverables.

Responsibilities, Day to Day

• Assist with preparing site plans and drawings using CAD software
• Support engineers and designers with project layouts, grading, and utility design
• Organize project files, data, and documentation
• Assist with basic calculations and quantity takeoffs
• Participate in team meetings and learn project workflows
• Conduct research on local ordinances, zoning, and permitting requirements
• Support field visits and site observations when applicable

Qualifications

Required

• Currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, CAD, or a related technical field
• Basic understanding of engineering or design principles
• Exposure to AutoCAD or similar design software
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage time and follow through on assigned tasks

Preferred

• Experience with Civil 3D or similar design tools
• Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on technical training
• Interest in land development, site design, or engineering consulting
• Interest in pursuing EIT certification or advancing in a technical design career path

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Hands-on experience working on real-world land development projects
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and designers
• Exposure to a variety of projects and clients
• Support from our internal training and development team, offering structured professional development and resources to help you grow
• A flexible, hybrid work environment that supports both productivity and work-life balance
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is supported
• High-performing interns may be considered for future full-time opportunities in engineering or technical design roles

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at jperalta@rettew.com to request assistance.

#LI-Hybrid

Requirements listed above