Careers

Let’s get growing.®

Your career starts with the people beside you.

BUILD YOUR CAREER ALONGSIDE A TEAM THAT BELIEVES THE BEST IDEAS—AND THE BEST CAREERS— GROW THROUGH COLLABORATION.

At VAA, we build value through relationships. Relationships with some of the country’s leading organizations and brands – and genuine, mutually supportive relationships within our teams. Join one of the industry’s leading firms, where you’ll be respected for the work you do and the diverse perspective you bring to the team.

OPEN POSITIONS

Find your next opportunity and
grow your career at VAA.

INTERNSHIPS

Gain real-world experience and start building your future
at VAA.

LIFE AT VAA

Get a snap shot into life at VAA.

VAA Voices

VAA is growing! Growing our teams, our work, the diversity and careers of our people. Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the range of opportunities you can find and the wealth of resources that will support you – both professionally and personally.

8 Reasons to Take the Next Step

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Find your place.

Supportive Culture

From your first day, you’ll be set up for success. We offer new-hire peer guidance, mentoring programs and wellness resources to support physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing.

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Feel valued.

Exceptional Benefits

Get peace of mind from comprehensive and flexible insurance coverage, industry-leading HSA contributions, paid parental leave, a robust employee assistance program… even pet insurance.

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Stay engaged.

Challenging Work

At our multidisciplinary and diversified firm, you’ll have opportunities to work on a wide range of challenging projects designed to ensure efficiency and safety across essential supply chains.

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Be seen and heard.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to collective growth. As an equal opportunity employer, VAA is committed to fostering an inclusive culture.

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Live fully.

Life / Work Balance

A good career choice can enhance your quality of life – both professionally and personally. VAA offers flexible work options, onsite wellness resources and fun opportunities for friendly competition.

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Expand your horizons.

Professional Development

Where can you go from here? Your manager will work with you to map out your path, where you can take advantage of online learning, tuition reimbursement and support to advance your career.

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Speak Up.

Every Voice Matters

We invite you to be part of the solution. On a regular basis, VAA seeks out employee feedback and applies those insights to our continual improvement efforts.

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Make an Impact.

Community & Global Initiatives

Package meals… raise a hammer… walk for animals… race canoes… dunk the CEO. From volunteer events to our annual community fundraising drive, to charitable PTO, we stand behind paying it forward.

  • I really appreciate the overall company culture. I am respected for what I bring to the table and my opinions are valued.

  • Every day, there’s a new project, new learning experience, and new challenges. There’s an incredible support system from my mentors and senior engineers.

  • VAA helps employees reach both their professional and personal goals. The opportunity for a hybrid work week is a huge benefit to employees and their quality of life.

Browse current job openings

tracker
Architectural Intern – Summer 2027
Department: Industrial Architecture
Intern - On-site
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States - 55441
Description

Architectural Intern – Summer 2027

Ready to Build Something Real?

Take what you're learning in the classroom and put it to work at VAA. As an Architectural Intern, you won't spend your summer on the sidelines. You'll work alongside architects, engineers and designers, contribute to real projects and see how ideas take shape in the facilities that feed, fuel and power our world.

Come curious. Ask questions. Try new things. Let's get growing.

Your Role

Curious about what goes into designing spaces that are both functional and built for the people who use them? You'll work with VAA's Architecture team and gain hands-on experience with industrial and commercial projects - while seeing how architecture and engineering come together from concept through construction.

You'll have opportunities to:

  • Assist with architectural drawings, plans, elevations, sections and details
  • Learn and use industry design and 3D modeling software
  • Contribute to design development and project documentation
  • Work alongside architects, engineers and designers on real client projects
  • Collaborate with structural, mechanical, electrical and other VAA disciplines
  • Participate in project meetings and get out of the office for site visits

Here's What Your Summer Could Look Like

  • Do real work. Apply what you're learning in school to actual projects.
  • Find your people. Connect with fellow interns and employees across VAA.
  • Learn from the pros. Get guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.
  • Explore design. See how architecture, engineering and design disciplines work together.
  • Get out there. Visit jobsites and see projects come to life.
  • Build your skills. Join Lunch & Learns on communication, presentation skills, personal branding and more.
  • Think beyond summer. Explore opportunities to return for another internship or start your full-time career with VAA after graduation.

What You Bring

  • Pursuing a bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited school
  • Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply
  • Interest in architecture, design and how buildings and facilities come together
  • Curiosity, a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and learn

Hourly Range: $21.00–$23.00

Get to Know VAA

VAA is an Engineering, Planning and Design firm specializing in commercial projects, bulk commodity-handling facilities, and structures for value-added processing, manufacturing and distribution. For nearly 50 years, our multidisciplinary teams have worked together to solve complex challenges for clients across the country.

Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the range of opportunities you can find and the wealth of resources that will support you - both professionally and personally:

https://vaaeng.com/careers/#careers-video

Let's Get Growing™

Your career. Your talents. Your network.

Apply today!

Intern: #VAA #Intern #ArchitecturalIntern #Architecture

Local & national recognition

USA TODAY TOP Workplace 22 26

2024-2026 National recognition based on employee survey results

Work Life Flexibility

 

2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results

Compensation Benefits

 

2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results

 

TWP Engineering 2026 1
2026 Recognition in Top Workplaces Industry & Occupation Awards based on employee survey results.

Leadership 1

2024-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results.

StarTrib Workplace 22 26 SansTrib

2022-2026 Local recognition based on employee survey results

How OUR HIRING PRocess Works

1
Apply

Select a position you are interested in; upload your resume and follow the application steps. You will receive an email notifying you that your application has been received.

2
Application Review

VAA will review your application and contact you if your background meets our hiring needs. (This generally takes 
1-2 weeks.)

3
Interview

Our interview process varies by group. Candidates may participate in phone, virtual, and/or in-person interviews. Most candidates will participate in 1-2 rounds of interviews.

4
Offer

We will notify you as soon as possible. If you receive an offer, the manager will call you, followed by a written offer from Human Resources.

5
Prepare to Start

If you choose to accept the offer, VAA Human Resources will work with you to set a start date and finalize other details.

Frequently asked questions

What is it like to work at VAA?

At VAA, you’ll be part of a collaborative team where people share ideas, solve complex challenges and grow together. Our employees may work across disciplines and markets while building relationships with coworkers and clients that extend beyond individual projects.

If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@vaaeng.com or by calling 763.559.9100 and asking for an HR representative.

VAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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