Structural Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

hdr; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Structural Engineering Intern in Arlington, VA to gain hands-on experience within HDR's Building Engineering Services Group. You will explore how structural analysis, design and documentation support complex projects across civic, commercial, healthcare and data-center facilities.

You will work with mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineering experts to solve design challenges, under mentors who value collaboration, rigor and innovation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and strong analytical ability.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Active participation in HDR's employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Learn how structural engineering contributes to the success of complex, interdisciplinary projects.
• Gain hands-on structural engineering experience on local and global projects.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals in a team environment.
• Perform assignments under supervision of experienced engineers.
• Apply standard engineering techniques and support project teams with analysis, modeling, and design documentation.
• Engage in mentoring and early career development programs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate/Grad Engineering program

Tools

ETABS

SAP2000

SAFE

RISA

Revit Structure

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Within our Structural Group in Arlington, VA (Washington DC metro area), we specialize in bringing ambitious architectural visions to life and engineering the complex facilities that support our communities. From landmark civic and cultural buildings to advanced research, healthcare, transportation, and federal facilities, our team works at the intersection of design and technology. We thrive on solving intricate engineering challenges in collaboration with world-class architects and multidisciplinary teams, shaping structures that are both innovative and enduring.

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

Every role within HDR makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. In Arlington, you'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary studio that is deeply connected to the region's architecture and infrastructure projects.

Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible—not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Structural Engineering Intern, we'll count on you to:

• Learn how structural engineering contributes to the success of complex, interdisciplinary projects
• Gain hand-on structural engineering experience working on exciting projects at both the local and global scale
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals in a dynamic, team-oriented environment
• Perform assignments under the guidance and supervision of experienced engineers
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures and support project teams with analysis, modeling, and design documentation
• Connect with peers and leaders through mentoring and young professional development programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Completion of (or current enrollment in) coursework covering structural analysis and the design of concrete, steel, masonry, and wood structures
• Familiarity with structural analysis and design software such as ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, RISA, or Revit Structure
• Strong interest in architectural design, high-performance buildings, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Local candidates preferred

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.