Job Description

AECOM is seeking an Urban Planning & Design Intern to be based in Los Angeles, California.

This position is expected to begin in May 2026.

Internships at AECOM offer students in undergraduate and graduate programs the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in engineering, design, and infrastructure projects that make a real-world impact. Interns work with cutting-edge technology, learn industry’s best practices, and collaborate with experienced professionals in a globally recognized firm. The program fosters both technical and professional skill development while providing networking opportunities that can enhance future career prospects. Additionally, AECOM’s dedication to innovation and sustainability enables interns to contribute to meaningful projects that help shape communities and the built environment.

AECOM has an opening for an Urban Planning Intern in our Los Angeles office. The Urban Planning team supports a variety of clients in the development of land use and zoning regulations, urban design standards, community engagement strategies, housing and land use policy, and equity analyses to produce thoughtful, accessible, and forward-thinking planning and policy documents. Our clients typically include Cities, Transit Agencies, and Regional Planning Agencies throughout Southern California. The Urban Planning team is embedded within AECOM’s Buildings + Places (B+P) practice, a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced environment including several related disciplines, such as architecture, landscape architecture, and economics.

The internship will be based out of AECOM’s Downtown Los Angeles office. Applicants should expect to participate in occasional field visits throughout Los Angeles County. Responsibilities will vary depending on the team’s active project work, and the intern’s technical skills and desired areas of professional development. Ideal candidates will have a strong grasp of professional written, verbal, and visual communication, policy comprehension, data analysis, and research.

AECOM SoCal B+P Internship Program

AECOM’s SoCal B+P Internship program provides a balanced working and social experience for interns to gain project experience and build interdisciplinary professional and mentor relationships. Activities include visits to in-progress construction sites, local field trips to nearby architecturally important projects, and opportunities to connect and network through social events with other interns throughout AECOM’s business lines. Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary cohort of B+P interns to develop a conceptual project focused on a site in Los Angeles County.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of materials for zoning updates, general plans, master plans, specific plans, community plans, and other regulatory and policy planning projects
• Preparation of urban design existing conditions and concept studies
• Development of high-quality, user-friendly zoning documents, exhibit boards, reports, and planning deliverables in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign and Illustrator
• Research on zoning, legislation, and policy
• Collection and analysis of data on built environment and socioeconomic conditions, including from census/land use/property databases

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree program in Urban Planning or related field and must have completed at least one year of study. Candidates who have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and plan to continue with the Master’s degree are eligible to apply for these positions. Graduates must have been enrolled in their bachelor’s degree in the most previous school term with an interest in pursuing an advanced degree in the same or similar discipline at the conclusion of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local, regional, and statewide housing policies.
• Knowledge of planning-related equity issues and analysis tools.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
• This position requires a hybrid work schedule which includes office work in Los Angeles, California. The selected candidate must be available to work in Los Angeles, California on a scheduled basis.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.