Summer 2027 Internship (Janney Technical Center)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) seeks a Summer 2027 Engineering Intern in Northbrook, IL, to support Materials Engineering and Structural Testing groups.

You will assist project teams with forensic investigations, condition assessments, and data collection in both field and laboratory settings. You will help analyze field data, review construction materials, and contribute to client deliverables and reports.

Qualifications

• Current student with excellent academic standing in junior or senior year of a bachelor's or in a graduate program in civil engineering, structural engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal, graphical, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and work ethic.
• Enthusiasm for solving problems and curiosity about how things work.

Responsibilities

• Performing hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations, including surveying, documenting distress, field testing, data collection, and site visit reports.
• Analyzing field data and reviewing modern and historic materials, codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis and repair design.
• Developing and implementing laboratory or field-testing programs for construction, materials performance, applied research, and new product development.
• Drafting conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including construction documents, specifications, and written reports.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or graduate student in civil/structural/materials engineering or related field

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Field testing methods

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking civil, structural, or materials engineering students for a Summer 2027 Internship to join our Janney Technical Center (JTC) team, working with our Materials Engineering and/or Structural Testing and Instrumentation groups in Northbrook, Illinois.

Our Janney Technical Center (JTC) is named after WJE founder Jack Janney. Comprised of both engineers and materials scientists, the JTC provides advanced testing and forensic capabilities to solve the most technically challenging problems related to structures, construction materials, and manufactured components. After half a century and more than 175,000 assignments, JTC engineers and materials scientists have successfully completed investigative, testing, and repair projects involving virtually every type of construction material, structural system, and architectural component.

WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists committed to helping solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world since 1956.

Responsibilities:

Materials Engineering Interns Assist Project Teams with:

• Performing hands‑on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations, which may include surveying, documenting distress, field testing and instrumentation, collecting data and materials samples, laboratory testing, and preparing site visit reports
• Analyzing field data and performing research and review of modern and historic materials, construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem‑solving, and repair design
• Developing and implementing specialized laboratory or field‑testing programs associated with existing construction, materials performance evaluation, applied research, and new product development
• Drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction documents, specifications, and written reports

Structural Testing and Instrumentation Interns Assist Project Teams with:

• Applying various testing methods, instrumentation systems, and data collection and management tools for investigations and evaluations within the laboratory and out in the field
• On‑site investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations, which may include surveying, documenting distress, field testing, collecting data and materials samples, and preparing site visit reports
• Completing structural analysis of concrete, steel, wood, masonry, and other structural systems to support investigations
• Drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction documents, specifications, and written reports

Qualifications:

• Current student with excellent academic standing in junior or senior year of a bachelor's or in a graduate program in civil engineering, structural engineering, materials engineering, or a related field
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence and exceptional attention to detail
• Effective verbal, graphical, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and work ethic
• Enthusiasm for solving problems and curiosity about how things work

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax/copy machines, telephone/voice mail systems, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
• Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to travel
• Ability to safely work at heights
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free‑flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard‑working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands‑on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding C character, unwavering C commitment to our core and culture, strong E expertise, and genuine E enthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee's annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance, often resulting in above‑market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range: $17.00 - $35.00

This non‑exempt position is also eligible for WJE's industry‑leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high‑deductible PPO options
• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately
• Time off to care for yourself and others
• Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.