Aeronautics Civil Engineering Co-op Fall 2026

Position Summary

MassDOT co-ops have the chance to work with some of the most highly respected engineers and specialists in the state. Duties include going on site visits, working on exciting and significant projects, and delivering quality work that has a positive and lasting influence on transportation in the Commonwealth. The internship also provides an opportunity to network with professionals across the state. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering co-ops will be assigned throughout the Aeronautics Division and may assist MassDOT engineers in the following areas:

• Preparing and reviewing plans, designs, specifications, and cost estimates for airport construction and/or maintenance projects.
• Reviewing engineering pavement designs, design reports, and geotechnical reports for airport projects.
• Reviewing environmental reports and planning studies related to airport projects
• Conducting airspace reviews in accordance with Chapter 90 requirements.
• Reviewing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory circulars and applying standards to engineering projects.
• Performing calculations related to airfield geometry, aircraft navigational aid siting, and airport runway/taxiway lighting.
• Analyzing change orders and supplemental agreements for design and construction projects.
• Conducting field investigations in order to gather information needed to resolve construction, maintenance, environmental, or traffic problems.
• Reviewing construction estimates and payment requisitions.
• Reviewing payment vouchers for correctness for engineering and construction projects.
• Inputting data into the Aeronautics Division project management portal.
• Inspecting construction operations, such as drainage, excavation, paving, lighting, signage, and pavement markings to ensure work is being performed according to project specifications.
• Review engineering scopes of work and preform independent fee analysis.
• Assisting in reviewing environmental compliance and permitting; including stormwater, wetlands, and wildlife.
• Reviewing grant application and preparing submissions for grant funding assistance.
• Assisting with engineering related drone flights and acting as a visual observer.
• Preparing and analyzing data from drone flights to determine pavement condition index for airfield pavements and obstruction analysis for runway approaches.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with AutoCAD and ArcGIS
• Proficient with Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills.
• Excellent verbal and analytical skills.
• Interest in aviation and airports.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) takes great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include\: Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.