SME | Careers

If you have what it takes, become a co-op at SME. Why? You may find your life's desire. Our people are passionate about their work. You'll learn more than you thought possible about consulting engineering through in-house — and plenty of hands-on — training. The work is tough. It's not for everyone. But if you make the cut, we're certain you'll be a better person for the experience.

Why become a co-op at SME? You will do real work, not just look over someone else's shoulder. And make a difference from day 1. As you learn more, you'll do more and have more responsibility. Typical assignments include testing soil density and backfill materials, testing cast-in-place concrete for specification compliance, and quality assurance testing for government-funded paving projects. You'll also take part in pile load testing, specialty foundation construction, roofing construction, soil boring layout, grouting, and nondestructive testing. Who knew playing in the dirt could be so much fun?

Why become a co-op at SME? Engineering courses are tough — you already know that. But we bet your coursework will make a lot more sense and be a lot easier to grasp after interacting with construction managers, contractors and design professionals on construction sites.

Why become a co-op at SME? We'll make you rich, well maybe not over-the-top bucks, but you can expect a competitive salary and overtime pay.

Why become a co-op at SME? It pays to make the grade. In a word: tuition. For each A or B you achieve in the spring term before joining us as a co-op, you'll receive up to $200 per credit hour; for each C, you'll receive $100 per credit hour. Won't mom and dad be thrilled you're not raiding their retirement account?

Why become a co-op at SME? We'll keep a roof over your head and work boots on your feet. SME provides $200 per month for housing (up to a maximum of $1400) and up to $100 for work boots. Plus, you'll get a Nextel phone.

Why become a co-op at SME? Fun, fun and more fun. You'll have the opportunity to meet SME engineers and co-ops from all of our offices at summer sporting events and at our annual co-op recognition banquet in the fall.

Why become a co-op at SME? This could be the start of a great career at SME. Our best co-ops often become our best employees. If you think you have the right stuff, we want to hear from you. Your co-op commitment begins in May, shortly after completion of your spring term and requires a commitment to work through late November or early December of the same year, depending on our project workload. Once you have completed your initial co-op assignment, you will be given preferential consideration for summer internships and/or full-time positions.

Where We Recruit

We actively recruit students from colleges and universities in Michigan and the Midwest. Contact your school's career placement office to find out if we're holding a recruiting event at your school.

How to Apply

If you are studying civil engineering, environmental engineering, geological engineering, construction management or civil engineering technology, or have construction-related experience and want to put some career ideas to the test, contact us. But, apply early! By early March of each year, we have generally filled our 40+ co-op positions.

Mail, fax or e-mail your resume and cover letter to:

Sherri Fountain, SPHR
Vice President and Manager of Human Resources
Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc.
The Kramer Building
43980 Plymouth Oaks Blvd.
Plymouth, MI 48170-2584
fax: (734) 454-0629
e-mail: fountain@sme-usa.com

Please confirm your dates of availability and the SME office location you prefer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SME is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all staff and applicants for employment. SME will not discriminate against any applicant for employment or staff member because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual preference, age, national or ethnic origin, disability or military status. Wherever practical, we try to place people in jobs that best suit their abilities, interests and skills, as well as the needs of SME.