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Structural Engineer Intern Jobs in Richmond, VA (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineering Intern

Richmond, VA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO The intern will gain technical experience and be exposed to a variety of structural engineering in an industrial setting with items potentially including structural analysis using ...

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Wiley|Wilson is now accepting applications for a summer 2027 paid Structural Engineering internship in our Lynchburg, VA office.Interns are a priority at Wiley|Wilson, and we want you to get ...

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Structural Engineer Intern information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do structural engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineer intern in Richmond, VA is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.67 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 Richmond, VA?

The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Structural Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Structural Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Structural Engineer Intern job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,758 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Structural Engineering Intern

Westwood Professional Services Inc

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Internship

Posted 2 days ago

New


Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Description:

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

The Structural Intern will join a structural engineering team supporting the design of foundations, retaining walls, and building structural systems for land development projects, including residential subdivisions, commercial sites, and mixed-use developments. Projects range from small foundation designs to multi-building structural packages for private developers, homebuilders, and commercial clients. This position offers a direct opportunity to apply structural engineering coursework to real-world development projects. 

As a Structural Intern, the selected candidate will learn to apply industry standards — including ACI, IBC, and ASCE — in the structural design process and will assist Senior Engineers in the preparation of structural calculations, drawings, and construction documents. 

Requirements:

 Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Assist engineers in preparing structural designs for foundations, retaining walls, and building structural systems on land development projects. 
  • Perform structural calculations and analyses for building loads, foundations, and retaining structures under the guidance of licensed Engineers. 
  • Prepare and revise structural drawings, details, and specifications using AutoCAD under the direction of Senior Engineers. 
  • Research applicable building codes and design standards, including ACI, IBC, and ASCE, for use in structural design. 
  • Assist in reviewing shop drawings and submittals for structural components during the construction phase. 
  • Travel to project sites as necessary to observe existing conditions and support construction observation activities. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program, preferably Civil and/or Structural Engineering. 
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, management, and design team members. 
  • Willingness to learn in a flexible, cross-disciplinary work environment. 
  • Willingness to attend site visits and perform work in outdoor field conditions on occasion. 
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

The following qualifications are preferred but not required for consideration: 

  • Relevant industry experience through engineering coursework projects or prior internships in structural or civil engineering. 
  • Experience with AutoCAD, RISA, or STAAD structural design software. 

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.


Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.


We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.


Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.


Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.



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