Structural Engineering Intern- Summer 2027

WSP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA in Chicago, IL is offering a 12-week Transportation Bridge Team internship for students pursuing Civil/Structural Engineering. This full-time program provides hands-on project exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to develop technical and professional skills.

As an undergraduate or graduate student, you will assist with design calculations, research, fieldwork, documentation, and cost estimates while learning the fundamentals of bridge engineering under senior staff guidance.

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Civil/Structural Engineering degree (Undergrad with anticipated graduation Dec 2027/May 2028 or later).
• Must be 18 or older and authorized to work in the United States at internship start.
• Interest in bridge engineering and desire to develop skills related to WSP’s projects.
• Ability to take direction and communicate effectively with engineering and non-engineering audiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project research, field work, and preliminary calculations.
• Support preparation of design plans, provisions, and cost estimates.
• Maintain project documentation and assist with final design packages.
• Perform tasks under supervision and adhere to safety policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

Office software

Spreadsheet skills

Education

Civil/Structural Eng degree

Pursuing degree (Bachelor/Master)

Tools

Structural analysis software

Mathcad

CAD (CADD)

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP USA hosts hundreds of internships across the United States to gain hands‑on, meaningful work experience to enhance their education and professional aptitude. Our interns gain exposure to real projects while working side by side with senior staff. Through our Developing Professionals Network, interns gain mentorship, networking opportunities and lifelong career connections.

Our Transportation Bridge Team is seeking a Full‑Time Structural Engineering Intern to work out of our Chicago, IL office. This temporary position is seeking individuals currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate degree program.

This 12 week internship will be part of the WSP Summer Internship Program that is scheduled to start on May 17th, 2027. The individual start date of the internship may be flexible.

Your Impact

• Support a variety of engineering tasks with the goal to develop technical, social, and ethical skills.
• Learn basic principles of Structural and BridgeEngineering.
• Assist with project research, field work, and preliminary design calculations and analysis.
• Support preparation of final design plans, special provisions, and cost estimates.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining project documentation.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Please note that there is no relocation or housing assistance associated with this internship.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited Civil/Structural Engineering Degree, or related, Undergraduate program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 / May 2028 or later.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Demonstrated interest in bridge engineering, or related field, and have a strong desire to advance skills related to WSP’s work and projects.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non‑engineering audience.
• Capable of taking direction from leadership, mentors, and managers to executive projects.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Authorization to work in the United States at the start of the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited Civil/Structural Engineering Degree, or related, Masters or PhD program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 / May 2028 or later.
• Experience using structural analysis or finite element software, Mathcad, and computer‑aided design and drafting (CADD).
• Prior internship and leadership involvement on campus.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $19 - $30

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.