Structural Engineer Intern

Thornton Tomasetti; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

AD&D

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

401k with company match

Paid time off

Transit benefits

Fitness reimbursement

Job summary

Thornton Tomasetti in Chicago is seeking an Engineer Intern in our Structural Practice for Summer 2027. You will gain hands-on experience on real-world projects, from high-rise buildings to cultural institutions, collaborating with engineers and architects.

The internship focuses on structural analysis, design and detailing of various systems, BIM documentation, and exposure to industry-standard tools such as Revit and SAP2000, with pay between $25–35 per hour.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in civil, structural, or architectural engineering.
• Strong academic record and a passion for structural design and engineering problem solving.
• Familiarity with tools like SAP2000, ETABS, RAM, StructurePoint Software, and Revit are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the structural analysis, design and detailing of steel, concrete, masonry and timber systems across a variety of building project types.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, architects, and other design professionals to support the delivery of high-quality, coordinated designs.
• Assist in preparing construction documents and drawings within a BIM environment, gaining practical experience with industry-standard tools, workflows, and documentation practices.

Skills

Structural design

Team collaboration

Education

Current undergraduate or graduate student in civil/structural/architectural engineering

Tools

SAP2000

ETABS

RAM

StructurePoint

Revit

Job description

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world’s challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients' ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.Structural Engineering practice collaborates with architects, building owners, and builders to design elegant solutions for projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. From designing the world’s tallest buildings and most extended spans to engineering inventive “jewel-box” structures and designing major expansion projects, we continually seek the best balance among the demands of form, function, sustainability, constructability, schedule, and budget.

Your Role

As an Engineer Intern in our Structural Practice, you will gain hands‑on experience on real‑world projects, ranging from high‑rise buildings and cultural institutions to sports venues, transportation facilities, and complex renovation or adaptive‑reuse work. You will collaborate with talented professionals across disciplines in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment, gaining meaningful exposure to innovative structural design and engineering solutions. This intern role is for Summer 2027.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to the structural analysis, design and detailing of steel, concrete, masonry and timber systems across a variety of building project types.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, architects, and other design professionals to support the delivery of high‑quality, coordinated designs.
• Assist in preparing construction documents and drawings within a BIM environment, gaining practical experience with industry‑standard tools, workflows, and documentation practices.

What You’ll Bring

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering.
• Strong academic record and a demonstrated passion for structural design and engineering problem solving.
• Familiarity with tools like SAP2000, ETABS, RAM, StructurePoint Software, and Revit are a plus.

Compensation

The rate for this position generally is $25 - $35 hourly. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the Illinois State Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful Illinois State applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in Illinois State or perform the position from Illinois State. Similar positions located outside of Illinois State will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted by Illinois Equal Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employee already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee’s pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and other voluntary benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Childcare
• Paid Time Off, Family Leave for New Parents, Volunteer TimeTuition Reimbursement
• Commuter Transit (where available)
• 401k retirement savings with Company matching on employee contributions and/or qualified student loan repayments
• Fitness Reimbursement
• And other various wellness, diversity/inclusion and employee resource programs and initiatives

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.