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Structural Engineering Intern Jobs in California

Staff Engineer

Pleasanton, CA Ā· On-site

$32 - $35/hr

EIT/Fundamentals of Engineering certification desirable * 0-3 years of relevant structural engineering experience; building design experience with OSHPD and DSA structures desirable; Intern ...

As a student intern, you'll support a variety of civil engineering-related tasks, assist with ... in planning, engineering design, structural assessment, and construction services. Across ...

As a student intern, you'll support a variety of civil engineering-related tasks, assist with ... in planning, engineering design, structural assessment, and construction services. Across ...

Staff Engineer

La Mesa, CA Ā· On-site

$32 - $38/hr

EIT/Fundamentals of Engineering certification desirable * 0-3 years of relevant structural engineering experience; building design experience with OSHPD and DSA structures desirable; Intern ...

This role will also provide insight into project development and structural engineering. Responsibilities * Perform Hydrology Analyses of large solar power plant projects utilizing Geographic ...

Mechanical Engineer Intern

Long Beach, CA

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

The Mantari Mechanical Engineering Internship provides an opportunity to work on next-generation ... Thermal and structural analysis for field-deployable sensor systems

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Showing results 1-20

Structural Engineering Intern information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do structural engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineering intern in California is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Structural Engineering Intern typically expect to be involved with during their internship?

As a Structural Engineering Intern, you can expect to assist with tasks such as drafting design plans, performing basic structural calculations, and preparing technical reports under the supervision of licensed engineers. Interns often work on real-world projects like building renovations, bridge assessments, or new construction, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software and codes. Collaboration is common, as you'll interact with architects, senior engineers, and construction teams to ensure project objectives are met. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to develop both technical skills and professional communication abilities in a supportive environment.

What does a Structural Engineering Intern do?

A Structural Engineering Intern assists professional engineers in designing, analyzing, and inspecting structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. Their tasks often include drafting plans, performing calculations, preparing reports, and helping ensure projects comply with safety and building codes. Interns may also visit construction sites, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and use engineering software to support design work. The goal of the internship is to gain hands-on experience and understand the practical aspects of structural engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Engineering Intern, you need a foundational understanding of structural analysis, engineering principles, and coursework toward a degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software, as well as knowledge of building codes, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn help interns excel in team environments and adapt to project demands. These competencies ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to design tasks, support senior engineers, and develop the technical expertise needed for future roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Structural Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Structural Engineering Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Structural Engineering Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering Intern job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,648 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Entry Level - Structural Designer

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

KPFF is looking for full-time structural engineering professionals who are self-motivated and eager to deepen their knowledge of structural engineering while gaining real-world experience.

Our engineers work in a team structure that allows frequent collaboration and connection to all layers of our organization, from interns to Principals. We foster a culture where our engineers collaborate outside of the project work through social events, educational programs and technical training. We provide numerous opportunities for professional growth, learning, and teaching. Individual accomplishments and successful projects determine your future at KPFF, and your dedication and talent will drive your career here.

This is an Exempt employment position, all overtime hours are paid at an hourly rate.

Benefits

KPFF is proud to provide our employees with benefits options that fit their unique lives, including:

  • Medical insurance options to choose from, VSP Vision Insurance, and DeltaĀ Dental Insurance
  • 7 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays for you to use each year
  • 2 weeks vacation annually, with competitive seniority based accruals
  • 2 weeks of personal and sick time to care for yourself and your family membersĀ 
  • KPFF will contribute 3% of your base salary to your 401 (k) regardless of your contribution
  • KPFF Paid Family Leave: Provides 60% of your base salary while on an approved leave for up to 6 weeks in a rolling 12-month period
  • 40-hour work schedule, Monday through Friday
  • Flexible scheduling - core hours of collaboration are 9:30-3:30 PMĀ 
  • Those who earn their CA PE or SE at KPFF receive a licensing bonus in addition to testing fee reimbursement
  • Monthly Cell Phone stipend
  • Monthly Way We Work stipend for remote work and transit expenses
  • Semi-annual BonusesĀ 
  • Opportunities for educational events, relationship building, and fun!Ā 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Basic knowledge of engineering fundamentals
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and professional demeanor
  • Effectively work on a team with individuals of varying backgrounds and experiences
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Solid technical skills
  • Ability to independently plan, document, organize, and engage in problem solving
  • Excellent research and information gathering skills

Salary

The pay range is $80,000 - $90,000 salary depending on education

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in Civil Engineering (with an emphasis in Structures)
  • Transcripts must show completed courses in: Concrete,Ā Steel, or Wood Design
  • No full-time work experience is required

​​Preferred Qualifications

  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA or above in Bachelor’s coursework
  • Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures is preferred
  • Candidates with transcripts showing completed graduate coursework in:
    • Structural Design
    • Steel or Wood Design
    • Concrete
    • Seismic
  • Previous intern or full-time experience in a Structural or Civil Engineering role is preferred
  • EIT Certification

Additional Information

Application Process

If you are interested in this position, please apply on our careers page. Resumes sent elsewhere will not be considered.
Transcripts must be provided prior to an interview. Cover letter is preferable and should address the following:

  • Describe a time when you were assigned a project or task that turned out to be really difficult.Ā How did you work through it, and what was the outcome?
  • Who has most influenced you and why?

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Duties are performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table.
  • Duties require the ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day.
  • May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.
  • Duties require in-person attendance, Monday through Friday, during our business hours of 8 AM toĀ 5 PM at our office in Orange County Irvine for the training period.
  • Following a satisfactory training period a hybrid schedule of 2Ā days per week in the office may beĀ accommodated

Our Employees

Are valued and empowered, collaborative and team oriented, innovative in their approach and passionate about their work. They are reliable, trustworthy, and open with a high level of integrity. They value diversity, are inclusive and are committed to critically thinking through problems and finding solutions.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.