Structural Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Salas O'Brien; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Salas O’Brien is seeking a Structural Intern to support the structural engineering team on industrial projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience applying engineering principles to real-world work, assisting with calculations, developing drawings, and collaborating on project coordination under licensed engineers.

You will be exposed to design codes, industry standards, and engineering software tools while developing technical communication and problem-solving skills in a professional environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil or structural engineering.
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in collecting information from field inspections.
• Produce sketches from field inspections.
• Interpret field sketches and translate to Revit.
• Convert design sketches/mark-ups to Revit format.
• Support project coordination with engineers and lead designers.
• Assist in BIM coordination and CAD standards.
• Understand general structural drawings.
• Assist in drawing package assembly.
• Follow Salas O’Brien CAD standards.
• Communicate effectively and multitask across projects.

Skills

Clear communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

Structural Intern

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee‑owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Structural Intern will support the structural engineering team in the analysis, design, and documentation of industrial projects. This role provides hands‑on experience in applying engineering principles to real‑world projects, assisting with calculations, developing drawings, and participating in project coordination efforts.

The Intern will work under the guidance of licensed structural engineers to gain exposure to design codes, industry standards, and engineering software tools.

Responsibilities may include performing basic structural calculations, assisting in the development of construction documents, reviewing shop drawings, and supporting field investigations as needed.

This position is intended to provide practical experience in structural systems, materials, and design processes while developing technical, communication, and problem‑solving skills in a professional engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in collecting information from field inspections.
• Produce sketches from field inspections.
• Interpret field sketches generated by others.
• Convert design sketches/mark‑ups to Revit format.
• Participate in coordination of project details with Engineers, lead designers, and other discipline leads.
• BIM and/or ACC Application
• Understand general structural drawings
• Drawing & deliverables Package assembly.
• Understanding and following Salas O’Brien and multiple client CAD standards.
• Motivated to grow and influence growth within the design team.
• Be able to communicate effectively.
• Multitask - Work on several projects simultaneously.

Qualifications And Experience

• In pursuit of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering or related field.
• AutoCAD and/or Revit experience preferred
• Microsoft Office Applications
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, 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/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.