Construction Cost Estimator Intern (Georgia Department of Transportation MMIP)

About the Position 

Are you a motivated college student eager to gain real-world experience on one of the Southeast’s most transformative transportation programs? Join Luster National this summer as a Construction Cost Estimator Intern supporting the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP). In this role, you’ll work alongside senior team members on multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, contributing to cost estimates, analyzing project data, and supporting budget planning across all stages of delivery. You’ll build practical skills in cost analysis, budgeting, and estimating best practices while gaining exposure to project management and transportation program delivery. 

This internship offers a strong foundation in construction cost estimating and project management, positioning you to advance within the AEC industry. If you’re detail-oriented, eager to learn, and ready to help shape Georgia’s transportation future, we’d love to hear from you. Intern Program participants include Luster (Employer of the Interns), HNTB (Prime consulting firm Luster works with), and GDOT (Client of HNTB). The internship will focus on the GDOT MMIP. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in developing detailed cost estimates for construction projects, covering labor, materials, and equipment. 
• Collaborate with project teams to align cost and scheduling data for integrated planning. 
• Support senior estimators by analyzing project specifications, historical data, and construction methodologies. 
• Coordinate with scheduling and project controls staff to link cost estimates with project timelines. 
• Maintain and update cost databases and estimation software to ensure accuracy and consistency. 
• Review vendor and subcontractor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements. 
• Contribute to client-facing presentations and provide general estimating support as needed. 
• Gather and apply industry data and publications to strengthen estimate accuracy. 
• Utilize estimating software under the guidance of senior staff to prepare reliable cost models. 
• Create cost models and work breakdown structures for key estimating elements. 
• Assist in preparing independent cost estimates to support change management, claims analysis, and price negotiations. 
• Gain proficiency in industry-standard software and tools used for estimating and project controls. 

In addition to their core responsibilities, the Intern will actively engage in team meetings, project site visits, safety training, and special project events. To further enhance the internship experience, Luster will arrange opportunities for the Intern to connect with key representatives from Luster, HNTB, and GDOT. These engagements may include breakfast or lunch meetings, social events, and scheduled meetings, providing the Intern with valuable insights into the program’s organization and management. Every effort will be made to fully integrate the Intern as a valued member of the infrastructure delivery team.

Minimum Qualifications 

• The program is open to undergraduate students (Junior or Senior level) enrolled in Civil Engineering or Construction Management, or a related major at an accredited four-year university in Georgia, such as Georgia Southern University or the University of Georgia. Eligible applicants should have completed at least two years of coursework toward their degree. The program is particularly well-suited for Juniors and Seniors who have made significant progress in completing their core degree requirements. 
• Knowledge of basic estimating principles. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Willingness to travel to field sites as needed.
• Preference will be given to local candidates. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Interest in pursuing professional certifications such as AACE Certified Cost Technician (CCT) or Engineer-In-Training (EIT). 
• Prior internship experience in construction and/or cost estimation. 
• Basic understanding of construction project phases, including design, procurement, and execution. 
• Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, etc.). 

What’s In It for You 

• Real-World Experience: Get hands-on with multibillion-dollar transportation projects across Georgia, contributing to cost estimates, budget planning, and project data analysis. 
• Industry Insights: Work alongside senior estimators, engineers, and project leaders who will share their expertise in construction management and program delivery. 
• Skill Development: Strengthen your technical skills in cost estimating, project controls, and budgeting while learning industry-standard tools such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, and advanced Excel functions. 
• Professional Connections: Build your professional network by collaborating with Georgia DOT staff, Luster National professionals, and industry partners, opening doors to future career opportunities. 
• Career Preparation: Gain practical exposure to the full lifecycle of transportation projects, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue a successful career in cost estimation and construction management. 
• Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful infrastructure improvements that will transform mobility across Georgia, giving you the chance to be part of a program with long-lasting impact. 

Salary  

The Intern will be a W-2 employee of Luster and will be paid $20/hr. 

Internship Dates 

The duration of the Luster National, Inc. Internship Program is 10 weeks with a schedule of Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm ET. 

Start Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
End Date: Friday, July 31, 2026

Application Procedures 

Candidates should prepare a resume to submit with their application that includes past work experience; engineering and related coursework; computer and technology skills/expertise; and a brief statement of why they are interested in our internship program. 

Deadline 

Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, October 31, 2025.

Interview Process 

The Luster team will conduct interviews with candidates and extend offers to finalists by mid-November 2025 for the May 2026 cohort. 

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.