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
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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
8 Reasons to Take the Next Step
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Browse current job openings
Systems Design Engineering Intern – Summer 2027
We are hiring two Systems Design Engineering Interns for Summer 2027.
Ready to Build Something Real?
Take what you're learning in the classroom and put it to work at VAA. As a Systems Design Engineering Intern, you won't spend your summer on the sidelines. You'll work alongside engineers and designers, contribute to real projects and see how big ideas become facilities that feed, fuel and power our world.
Come curious. Ask questions. Try new things. Let's get growing.
Your Role
Ever wonder how grain facilities, feed mills, processing plants and other industrial facilities actually work?
As a Systems Design Engineering Intern, you'll help develop layouts, models and designs that bring equipment, structures and operations together into one coordinated design – while getting a front-row look at how engineering projects go from an idea to the real world.
You'll have opportunities to:
- Create and update facility layouts, drawings, plans and details
- Assist with the design and coordination of process systems and equipment
- Learn and use industry design software and 3D tools
- Work alongside engineers and designers on real client projects
- Collaborate with structural, mechanical, electrical and process teams
- Join project meetings and get out of the office for site visits
- Learn VAA design standards, project execution processes and quality procedures
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 engineering. See how different disciplines work together - and discover what interests you most.
- Get out there. Visit jobsites and see projects come to life.
- Build more than technical skills. Lunch & Learns cover communication, presentation skills, personal branding and more.
- Think beyond summer. Explore opportunities to return for another internship or start your full-time career at VAA after graduation.
What You Bring
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited school
- Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply
- An interest in design, industrial facilities and how things work
- 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 that creates solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across the country. For nearly 50 years, our teams have worked together to tackle complex challenges and design the facilities and infrastructure that help feed, fuel and power our world.
Hear first-hand what it's like to work at VAA, the opportunities you'll find and the resources that support you - professionally and personally:
https://vaaeng.com/careers/#careers-video
Let's Get Growing™
Your career. Your talents. Your network.
Apply today!
#VAA #VAAIntern #EngineeringIntern #SystemsDesign
Local & national recognition
2024-2026 National recognition based on employee survey results
2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results
2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results
2026 Recognition in Top Workplaces Industry & Occupation Awards based on employee survey results.
2024-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results.
2022-2026 Local recognition based on employee survey results
How OUR HIRING PRocess Works
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.
VAA will review your application and contact you if your background meets our hiring needs. (This generally takes 1-2 weeks.)
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.
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.
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
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.