Business Administration Co-Op - Spring 2027

Business Administration Co-Op

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Business Administration Co-Op will gain hands-on experience supporting business operations, business development initiatives, project teams, and office administration functions. This role offers exposure to engineering consulting, client relationship management, marketing, strategic planning, and project execution while working alongside industry professionals.

This position is ideal for students pursuing degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Communications, Economics, or related fields who are interested in learning how a growing professional services firm operates.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Business Development Director.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development Support

• Assist with client research and market intelligence efforts.
• Support CRM data management and opportunity tracking.
• Help prepare proposals, qualifications packages, presentations, and client-facing materials.
• Participate in business development planning sessions and account strategy meetings.
• Track industry events, conferences, trade shows, and networking opportunities.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Coordinate meetings, agendas, and action item tracking.
• Organize project documentation and maintain electronic filing systems.
• Assist with front desk support, scheduling, event planning, and office coordination activities.
• Support data entry and reporting functions for leadership teams.
• Prepare meeting summaries and executive-level reports.

Marketing & Communications

• Assist in developing marketing collateral and promotional materials.
• Support social media and LinkedIn content development.
• Help create client success stories and project profiles.
• Contribute to internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.

Project & Financial Support

• Assist project managers with project tracking and administrative tasks.
• Support budget tracking, forecasting, and reporting activities.
• Help compile project metrics and business performance data.
• Assist with preparation of dashboards and management reports.

Professional Development

• Attend client meetings, Lunch & Learns, plant tours, and industry events when available.
• Learn about engineering consulting, manufacturing operations, and capital project delivery.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, business development, marketing, and operations.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

In pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree within Business Administration, Marketing, Communications,

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Technical & Professional Skills

Proficient with InDesign, Adobe Suite.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).

Performance Metrics

• Customer Focus
• Ownership & Accountability
• Communication Excellence
• Initiative & Curiosity
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Professionalism
• Adaptability
• Continuous Learning

Behaviors

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term value.
• Passion for Growth – Continuously develops technical, industry, and consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth
• Leadership Impact – Influences project outcomes through sound engineering/technical judgment, professionalism, and accountability
• Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, project status, issues, recommendations, etc. to clients and internal stakeholders
• Ownership – Takes responsibility for quality, schedule, and deliverables within assigned work scope
• Act With Urgency – Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in addressing client needs, project issues, and commitments while maintaining safety and quality standards
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated and collaborative technical solutions
• Technical Excellence – Applies solid engineering/technical fundamentals, codes, standards, and best practices to projects
• Functional Excellence – Executes work processes efficiently using tools, systems, and methodologies
• Location: Cincinnati, OH

Working Hours/Environment

Hours average 40 per week; may require additional hours including evenings and weekends depending on business needs.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office setting/client site.

Physical Demands

Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long periods of time.

Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.

Light lifting up to 20 lbs.

Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person.

Body motor skills sufficient to enable the incumbent to move around an office environment.

Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate responses.

Ability to climb ladders and perform field investigations.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position, and is not construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned, and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.