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Structural Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a student intern, you'll support a variety of civil engineering-related tasks, assist with ... in planning, engineering design, structural assessment, and construction services. Across ...

As a student intern, you'll support a variety of civil engineering-related tasks, assist with ... in planning, engineering design, structural assessment, and construction services. Across ...

Transportation Intern

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

As a student intern, you'll support a variety of civil engineering-related tasks, assist with ... in planning, engineering design, structural assessment, and construction services. Across ...

Quality Engineering Intern

Marina, CA · On-site

$5.5K - $7.8K/mo

... passionate intern to join our Quality Engineering team. In this role, you will gain hands-on ... structural root-cause investigations (8D, 5-Why) to prevent reoccurrence * Perform preliminary ...

Quality Engineering Intern

Marina, CA · On-site

$5.5K - $7.8K/mo

... passionate intern to join our Quality Engineering team. In this role, you will gain hands-on ... structural root-cause investigations (8D, 5-Why) to prevent reoccurrence * Perform preliminary ...

Quality Engineering Intern

Marina, CA · On-site

$5.5K - $7.8K/mo

... passionate intern to join our Quality Engineering team. In this role, you will gain hands-on ... structural root-cause investigations (8D, 5-Why) to prevent reoccurrence * Perform preliminary ...

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Showing results 1-20

Structural Engineer Intern information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do structural engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineer intern in California is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Structural Engineer Intern vs Civil Engineering Intern?

AspectStructural Engineer InternCivil Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's or master's in structural or civil engineering; some internships require EIT/FE exam eligibilitySimilar educational background; often pursuing civil engineering degrees; EIT/FE exam eligibility beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and reviewing structural components; working on building frameworks and infrastructureBroader civil projects including transportation, water resources, and site development
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, architecture firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, construction companies

Both roles involve engineering fundamentals and internships in related fields. A Structural Engineer Intern focuses specifically on structural design and analysis, while a Civil Engineering Intern covers a wider range of civil projects. The choice depends on your career focus within civil engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a Structural Engineer Intern?

As a Structural Engineer Intern, you will typically assist with the design, analysis, and review of structural components for buildings, bridges, or other infrastructure projects. Your daily tasks may include preparing drawings using CAD software, running basic calculations, conducting site visits with experienced engineers, and helping to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations. You'll often collaborate closely with senior engineers and other interns, gaining exposure to multiple project phases and disciplines. This hands-on experience is valuable for building your technical skills and understanding real-world engineering workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Engineer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, often supported by progress toward a civil or structural engineering degree. Familiarity with technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software, as well as knowledge of building codes and standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns collaborate with team members and convey complex ideas clearly. These skills and qualities are important for ensuring safety, accuracy, and successful project outcomes in structural engineering roles.

What does a Structural Engineer Intern do?

A Structural Engineer Intern assists experienced engineers in designing, analyzing, and inspecting structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Their responsibilities often include creating computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, performing calculations, preparing reports, and attending site visits. Interns gain hands-on experience with engineering software and learn about building codes, construction materials, and project management, all under the supervision of licensed engineers. This role provides valuable insight into the daily tasks and challenges of structural engineering and helps interns develop practical skills for their future careers.

What do structural engineer interns do?

Structural engineer interns assist in analyzing and designing building structures under the supervision of licensed engineers. They may perform calculations, prepare drawings, and review project plans using engineering software, gaining practical experience in structural analysis and construction processes.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

There is no age limit for a structural engineer intern position; internships are often designed for students or early-career individuals. Being 22 is common for interns, especially those pursuing or recently completed relevant education or certifications in engineering. Age should not be a barrier if you meet the educational or skill requirements for the internship.

Is $20 an hour good for an internship?

For a Structural Engineer Intern, $20 an hour is generally considered competitive for entry-level internships, especially if it includes opportunities to gain experience with engineering software like AutoCAD or Revit. However, pay rates can vary based on location, company size, and industry standards, so comparing with local internship averages is advisable.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

As a structural engineer intern, earning $500,000 is unlikely, as internships typically offer lower compensation. Experienced civil or structural engineers with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles in large projects can reach high salaries, but such earnings are generally achieved after several years of experience and professional development. High salaries in civil engineering are often associated with senior positions, specialized expertise, or working in high-cost regions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Engineer Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Engineer Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Engineer Intern job openings:
Internship, Structural Engineering (Fall 2026)

Internship, Structural Engineering (Fall 2026)

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Oakland, CA • On-site

$36.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Medical

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
  • Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
  • Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
  • Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
  • Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

We want someone passionate about engineering who wants to gain invaluable experience.
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is seeking current students for a Fall 2026 Internship in our Oakland, CA office.
As an Intern, you will work side-by-side with industry-leading experts in the office and in the field to gain hands-on experience while applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Assist with construction monitoring, field investigations, condition assessments, construction observations as well as project drafting, structural design and analysis, and site inspections.
  • Analyze materials, support our petrography staff, develop test protocols, design and construct testing apparatus, perform tests, and analyze test data.
  • Collaborate with SGH engineers to perform reconnaissance on existing structures, conduct field tests, or monitor construction in progress.
  • Organize field data and assist with research to facilitate analysis, problem solving, and repair design.
  • Perform analysis under the guidance of licensed professionals using a combination of hand calculations and analysis software.
  • Assist with preparation of client deliverables, including construction documents, specifications, and written reports.
  • Work may include travel and working from heights.

What You'll Need:
  • Students should have an interest in civil and or structural engineering, materials science, architecture, and architectural engineering.
  • Maintain high grades in their studies, interested in learning through hands-on work experience in a consulting engineering environment.
  • Enthusiastic about the challenges associated with the development of sophisticated engineering work product in an atmosphere of high professionalism.
  • Strong communication abilities.

Benefits Overview:
Full-time temporary employees are eligible for medical insurance, paid holidays and sick leave. Part-time temporary employees are eligible for sick leave.
Compensation:
This compensation range is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The pay range is effective for 2026 and is based on enrollment in the applicable degree program as noted below. The actual rate will be dependent upon the candidate's education level within the degree program.
  • Undergraduate: $29.25 - $32.50 per hour
  • Graduate: $33.75 - $34.75 per hour
  • PhD student: $36.75 per hour

Technical Interns are eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus.
Technical Intern:
$29.25-$36.75 USD
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.
TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: SGH does not accept unsolicited agency resumes or candidate profiles. Please do not forward resumes or profiles for any of our job postings to our career site or to any Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employee. SGH is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.