Structural Engineering (Substation) Intern - Summer 2027

WSP; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP invites motivated students to join our Portland, OR office as a Structural Engineering (Substation) Intern for a 12‑week summer program. You will work with senior staff on real projects, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship through our Developing Professionals Network.

As an intern you’ll contribute to research, basic design calculations, and documentation while learning structural principles and safety practices necessary for the energy sector.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited Structural Engineering, or related, Undergraduate program with an anticipated graduation date August 2027 or later.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Demonstrated interest in Structural Engineering and desire to advance skills related to WSP’s work and projects.
• Capable of taking direction from leadership, mentors, and managers to execute projects.
• Authorization to work in the United States at the start of the internship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project research, field work, and preliminary design calculations and analyses.
• Support preparation of final design plans, provisions, and cost estimates.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining project documentation.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Technical writing

Office software

Spreadsheet proficiency

Adaptability

Work authorization (US)

Education

Undergraduate structural engineering program

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 Power and Energy Team is seeking a Full-Time Structural Engineering (Substation) Intern to work out of our Portland, OR office. This temporary position is seeking individuals currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate degree program.

This internship will be part of the WSP Summer Internship Program. As a summer intern, you have the opportunity to participate in our 12-week program scheduled to start on May 17th, 2027. The individual start date of the internship may be flexible.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.

Your Impact

• Support a variety of engineering tasks with the goal to develop technical, social, and ethical skills.
• Learn basic principles of Structural Engineering.
• 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 Structural Engineering, or related, Undergraduate program with an anticipated graduation date of August 2027 or later.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Demonstrated interest in Structural 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

• Prior internship and leadership involvement on campus