Structural Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This position has a target start date in summer 2026.

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 electrical substations or modifications and upgrades to existing substation 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 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 structures, connections, concrete members, platforms, and foundations. 

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

Essential skills and experience:

• Must be graduating in Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027, or Spring 2028 with a BS or MS in Architectural Studies, Architectural Engineering, or Civil Engineering with a major in Structures.
• Must have a strong academic background and an interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, reinforced concrete design and foundation design.
• Good verbal and written communication skills along with strong PC skills are required.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• BSCE or MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• Previous internship or co-op experience in an engineering office.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
• Knowledge of any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, RISA 3D and Bluebeam / Adobe.

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.

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 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

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.