Zachary Short

About Zachary Short

Texas A&M Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering Technology Student Minoring in…

Experience

1. Civil Engineering Intern

   Granite Construction

   Apr 2025 — Present · Westminster, CO, US

   Federal Intern | Granite Construction | Westminster, COThis summer, I had the privilege of serving as the only federal intern in Granite’s Westminster, Colorado office, working directly under Project Executive Jason Grubb. Unlike traditional field internships under Level I engineers, I had a front-row seat to live project management at the executive level — watching how Jason led teams who lead other teams across multiple projects. His mentorship gave me a rare, top-down view of how high-level leadership guides decision-making, drives team culture, and keeps complex federal projects on track.Throughout the summer, I supported multiple teams — including a remote closeout for a Coast Guard pier in Astoria, Oregon, where I reviewed submittal registers, spec sheets, and tracked down missing documentation. I later had the opportunity to visit the site in person and contribute to project closeout. I also traveled to Fort Bliss in El Paso, where I applied everything I’d learned while assisting with quality control operations on a railyard expansion for the U.S. Army.At Ft. Bliss, I helped analyze soil compaction tests, tracked moisture levels using proctor curves, and shadowed leadership decisions when unexpected flooding halted site work. I also learned firsthand what a strong safety culture looks like through daily huddles and hazard awareness walks. Working closely with QC managers, safety leads, and superintendents, I saw what cross-functional collaboration really means — and how Granite’s core values are lived out day to day.This experience grew me both technically and personally. It gave me confidence working alongside senior staff and showed me what’s possible when a company is intentional about developing young talent.I’m passionate about supporting national defense and infrastructure, and I hope to continue contributing to the federal space through government contracting and mission-driven engineering work.