Structural Intern – Buildings: Design & Mentorship

HDR; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Structural Intern - Buildings for Summer 2027 in Des Moines, IA. You will support senior engineers in developing design criteria, analytical models, and construction documents for buildings, focusing on steel, concrete, masonry, and timber elements.

The role emphasizes applying core structural engineering principles, mentoring through early career programs, and contributing to a collaborative employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply standard engineering techniques to design and detail structural elements for buildings.
• Work under supervision of senior structural engineers on project design criteria, analytical models and calculations.
• Assist with development of construction documents and details.

Skills

Engineering problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate or graduate Engineering program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Structural Intern – Buildings (Summer 2027) - ( 196865 )

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?

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

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

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.

In the role of a Structural Intern - Buildings, we'll count on you to:

• Gain real-world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and proceduresusing your knowledge of structural Engineering principles to design and detail steel, concrete, wood, and masonry elements for buildings.
• Work under the guidance and direct supervision of senior-level Structural Engineers toassist with structural engineering tasks including development of project design criteria, analytical models, design calculations (steel, concrete, masonry, and timber), construction details and construction documents for buildings.
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 3+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Preference given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• 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.

Primary Location

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Temporary

BusinessClass : Building Structural

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Oct 8, 2026

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

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

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

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.