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Structural Engineer Intern Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

This internship provides hands-on experience across multiple transportation disciplines, including highway design, planning, structural engineering, rail, construction, and aviation. You'll work ...

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Structural Engineer Intern information

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$10

$17

$26

How much do structural engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,580 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Transportation Intern - TN

HDR, Inc.

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: 'https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We are looking for motivated Transportation Interns to join us in 2027! This internship provides hands-on experience across multiple transportation disciplines, including highway design, planning, structural engineering, rail, construction, and aviation. You'll work alongside engineers and project managers on impactful projects that help shape our communities.

Depending on your interests and project needs, you may contribute in one or more of the following areas:

Highway Design

  • Assist with roadway plan production, design details, and plan notes.
  • Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
  • Contribute to highway safety improvement projects.
  • Participate in project meetings and field visits.

Traffic/Planning

  • Support traffic engineering and transportation planning projects through data analysis, forecasting, and evaluation of roadway and multimodal improvements.
  • Prepare GIS maps, exhibits, reports, presentations, and public meeting materials.
  • Assist with research, corridor studies, safety assessments, grant applications, stakeholder coordination, and project documentation.

Structural (Bridges, Box Culverts, and Retaining Walls)

  • Assist with CAD drawings for new and rehabilitated structures.
  • Perform quantity calculations and cost estimates.
  • Participate in bridge inspections and site visits.

Rail

  • Assist with rail plan production, design details, and plan notes.
  • Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
  • Participate in project meetings and field visits.
  • Support construction projects through site observations, contractor coordination, and progress reporting.

Field Services (Construction Engineering & Inspection)

  • Assist with construction observation and inspection activities.
  • Support project documentation, inspection records, and daily reports.
  • Participate in contractor and project team coordination meetings.
  • Track quantities, project progress, and payment documentation.
  • Gain experience with field visits, materials testing, quality assurance, and construction documentation.
  • Support field issue resolution and design coordination during construction.
  • Learn transportation construction standards, safety requirements, and best practices.

Aviation

  • Assist with airport funding and grant administration activities.
  • Support airport planning, design, construction, and project delivery efforts.
  • Conduct site observations and monitor construction progress.
  • Coordinate with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
  • Assist with contract administration, project controls, and program governance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current Civil Engineering student
  • Relevant internship experience supporting engineering and project development
  • Preference given to local candidates

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
  • Attention to detail
  • Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917