Cost Advisory Intern (Available June 2025)

A future with purpose 

At Arup we’re dedicated to sustainable development and to do socially useful work that has meaning.  Our purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We solve the world's most complex problems and deliver what seems impossible, with curiosity and creativity. We’re a thriving and growing organisation which offers you many possibilities to shape a better world, and your future.

The opportunity

• Aid in the consultation of a variety of stakeholders (e.g. developers, government agencies, financiers, design professionals, etc.) on the delivery of different types of infrastructure projects (e.g. rail, airports, highways, bridges, energy, parks, data centers, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, resilience improvements, etc.). 
• Collaborate with design professionals, project stakeholders, and other relevant parties to understand the scope and impact of proposed infrastructure projects. 
• Request, manage and review relevant project data, studies, plans, and contextual issues.  
• Prepare various analyses such as construction cost estimates, schedules, risk models, constructability assessments, financial models, life cycle cost assessments, and optioneering exercises for a variety of infrastructure projects. Key software for conducting these analyses include Microsoft Excel, @Risk, and Primavera. 
• Develop high-level and detailed construction cost estimates based on industry best practice using both top-down (e.g. benchmarking) and bottoms-up (e.g. detailed unit rate development) methodologies. 
• Read, analyze, and perform quantity take-offs of design documents, drawings, and blueprints. 
• Collaborate with design professionals to identify opportunities and efficiencies within an infrastructure project, evaluating different design and construction options and developing a variety of solutions.   
• Conduct outreach with the construction industry to gather information relevant for projects and research (e.g. pricing information, market assessments, understanding complex methods for building projects such as bridges, tunnels, highways, and tall buildings).   
• Monitor local, regional, and global market trends to understand their impact on the delivery of infrastructure projects (e.g. construction cost trends for labor / material / equipment, supply chain, macroeconomic conditions, etc.).  
• Prepare analyses, draw evidence-based conclusions, and make recommendations.  
• Participate in client engagements ranging from meetings, presentations, workshops, etc. 
• Develop reports and presentations to communicate findings to satisfy client needs and goals. 

Is this role right for you?

We’re looking for interns who are curious and ready to evolve how you think and work.  Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. If you can share your knowledge and ideas and encourage others to do the same; whilst having a desire to deliver excellent services for clients – we’d like to hear from you.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Business or Finance, or similar with coursework in Engineering, Economics, Business and/or applied math/sciences.   
• Strong interest in the built environment and infrastructure project development / delivery and/or operations.  
• Passion for working on projects that incorporate sustainability, resilience, and equity. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential for team-based working. 
• Strong quantitative skills. 
• Strong organization skills. 
• Ability to prioritize effectively, balance assigned tasks and produce exceptional quality work. 
• Analytical mindset and/or strategic thinker. 
• Open and willing to learn. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, especially Microsoft Excel.  
• Candidate must be eligible to work in the US without the need for employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future to be considered for this role.

Preferred:

• Pursing a Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Business or Finance, or similar. 
• Strong proficiency in a technical or consulting area derived from professional experience (e.g. design, construction, development, owner/public sector, technical consulting, investment banking, management consulting, or infrastructure type (rail, airport, bridge, highway, energy, etc.).   
• Bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese or French with English). 
• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques. 
• Effective presentation skills for a variety of audiences. 
• Out-of-the-box innovative thinking. 
• Entrepreneurial mindset. 

Our teams notable projects

• Penn Station Expansion (New York) 
• Fermilab Infrastructure Projects (Chicago, South Dakota) 
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure & Fleet Transition (general) 

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. 

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

When you start your career with Arup, you will have the opportunity to deliver high quality valuable work for our clients. Our inclusive and diverse work environment will allow you to thrive and build your technical, project management and business development skills needed to be successful in our firm. 

Los Angeles Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Los Angeles is $23.50 to $35 per hour. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Los Angeles, CA will differ.   

Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available.

Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future 

Next Steps

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round which is an invitation to complete a Pre-recorded Video Interview (PRVI), at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of protected veteran, or disability.

Stay safe online.  Recruitment fraud is on the rise, and Arup’s name, logo, and branding have been used in fraudulent job advertisements. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of our recruitment process.

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