Structural Engineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

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

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

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 & 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

$18.00 - $30.00
Sargent & 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.

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!

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.