Bridge Design & Structural Engineering Internship

Alfred Benesch & Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Alfred Benesch & Company is seeking a Bridge Design & Structural Engineering Intern in Chicago, IL. You will assist in bridge and structure design, load ratings, and inspections while gaining practical exposure to design, analysis and field tasks under seasoned engineers.

The program welcomes students pursuing Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited) with a focus on structures, with preferred candidates holding or pursuing a master’s degree and strong teamwork and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited), focusing on structures.
• Master’s in Civil Engineering with a structural focus is preferred, or plans to obtain within 2 years.
• Strong interest in bridge and structural engineering.
• Analytical, technical, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Familiarity with AASHTO, IDOT, and ISTHA design and construction standards preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support conventional and complex bridge and structure design, load ratings, and bridge inspections.
• Gain hands-on experience contributing to design, analysis, and field tasks while learning from experienced engineers.

Skills

Bridge engineering

Structural analysis

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Master’s in Civil Engineering (structural focus) — preferred

Job description

Bridge Design & Structural Engineering Internship

At Benesch, our commitment to innovation and collaboration extends beyond our projects. We believe in nurturing talent from the ground up, making it a core part of our values. Whether you're seeking your first internship or ready for the next step in your budding career, Benesch is hiring individuals to join our dynamic teams across the country!

Work alongside Benesch's Bridge and Structural Engineering Professionals dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to transportation challenges. As a Bridge & Structures Intern, you will support conventional and complex bridge and structure design, load ratings, and bridge inspections. You will gain hands‑on experience contributing to design, analysis, and field tasks while learning directly from experienced engineers.

Location

This internship will be based in our Chicago, IL office, with opportunities to collaborate on active projects and receive mentorship from Project Engineers and Project Managers.

What We Are Looking For

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, focusing on structures
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a structural focus (or plans to obtain within 2 years) preferred
• Strong interest in bridge and structural engineering
• Excellent analytical, technical, and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Familiarity with AASHTO, IDOT, and ISTHA design and construction standards preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills

Pay Range

$18 - $30 USD

Benefits

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the State of Illinois Pay Transparency Act, Illinois Pay Transparency Law. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Our benefits package is designed to take care of our employees and is compliant with the State of Illinois Paid Leave Act, Illinois Paid Leave Act. Benesch offers a generous paid time benefits plan that increases throughout your career plus several paid holidays. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also include company-paid life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans. Benesch offers a 401K plan and profit-sharing contributions to the 401K plan. From insurance and retirement plan to our wellness programs, we provide employee benefits that meet your wants and needs.

Why Benesch

It's simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

• Career growth that's real with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward
• Strong financial future with up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees
• Flexibility that works with schedules that support your life
• Time to recharge with generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees
• Support beyond work through mentorship, hands‑on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one

Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll have the support and exposure to grow here.

Explore our full benefits here:

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [e-mail]. This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case‑by‑case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

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