Structural Engineering Intern

Westwood Professional Services; Midlothian (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Structural Intern to join its structural engineering team working on foundations, retaining walls, and building systems for land development projects including residential, commercial, and mixed-use sites.

The role offers hands-on experience applying ACI, IBC, and ASCE standards while supporting senior engineers in calculations, drawings, and construction documents. Independent field observation may be 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.

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.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Willingness to Learn

Team Player

Education

ABET-accredited undergrad in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

RISA

STAAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Type

Internship

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.

Salary Description

$20-$25