Virginia Department of Transportation
Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure
VDOT Engineering Intern
About the job
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to perform manual labor, including securing, handling, and preparing material samples.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Knowledge of mathematics up to and including algebra and geometry.
- Skill in using computers, software applications including Microsoft Office, and smartphones.
- Currently enrolled full-time in an Associate’s degree program or higher.
- Have a basic knowledge of engineering principles.
- Be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment.
- Maintain full-time graduate status, taking 9 or more credit hours per semester at a college or university before and following the internship.
- Maintain full-time undergraduate status, taking 12 or more credit hours per semester at a community college or four-year college or university before and following the internship.
- Abide by VDOT’s Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct.
- Communicate with VDOT staff, external contacts, and consultants; proactively resolve issues at the lowest level; project a positive VDOT image; and keep the supervisor advised of important developments and field observations.
- Apply principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned program areas, and interpret policies and procedures for daily work assignments.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment, following guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transport.
- Prepare and maintain daily documentation of project activities, ensure documentation is complete and submitted, avoid project delays, and solve project-related matters.
- Maintain accurate records for project activities, enter and update data by required deadlines, and interpret and apply relevant policies and procedures.
- Perform special duties as assigned.
- A combination of training, experience, or education in engineering or a related field.
- Ability to anticipate problems, provide solutions, follow instructions, learn quickly, and collaborate with teammates.
- Ability to make quality and timely decisions.
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
About the company
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 17, 2026 CTB approved $28.5 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and trails.
- FY2027 budget rose 6.7% to $9.0 billion, lifting construction spending.
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel targets substantial completion in 2026/2027, preserving marquee delivery wins.
What critics are saying
- Fairfax Circuit Court's Awuah ruling exposed VDOT to vegetation-maintenance liability on March 24, 2026.
- Delayed bridge and tunnel maintenance invites more quadriplegia litigation and insurance costs.
- Megaproject slippage on I-66 and Hampton Roads could miss 2026/2027 deadlines, eroding trust.
What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique
- VDOT controls Virginia's $9.0 billion FY2027 transportation budget, unmatched statewide scale.
- The agency manages 4,300 projects through a $28.5 billion FY2027-2032 SYIP.
- VDOT runs megaprojects like Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Transform 66.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation