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Structural Engineer Intern Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Structural Engineer Intern information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do structural engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineer intern in Chattanooga, TN is $17.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.04 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?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineer Intern jobs in Chattanooga, TN? For Structural Engineer Intern jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Engineer Intern jobs in Chattanooga, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Engineer Intern jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:
What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for Structural Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most Structural Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineer Intern job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,580 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Structural Engineering Intern - Nuclear (Summer 2027)

Sargent & Lundy

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This position has a target start date of summer 2027.

As a Structural Engineering Intern, you will be assigned to work on a project team and assist the engineering team members in the execution of their project work. These projects may involve the design of new power plants and/or modifications and upgrades to existing power plant systems, components, and structures.

Working under the direction of engineers, this position may offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Structural Engineering in one or more of the following areas:

  • Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, specifications, and designs
  • Assist in the review of structural design drawings and vendor drawings
  • Directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
  • Be assigned to support a team of engineers and designers in performing structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background and an interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, reinforced concrete design, and foundation design
    • Enrollment in an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is preferred
    • Coursework in steel and concrete design is preferred
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • Prior, related internship or co-op experience
  • Knowledge of any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, or ANSYS
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$18.00 - $30.00Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: OTHER

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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