Summer Intern - Structural Engineering

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

SOM in Chicago invites current architecture, structural and related engineering students to join its Summer Internship Program. Participants learn from experts across design disciplines, build visualization skills, and contribute to world-class projects through a mix of in-person and virtual opportunities.

The program runs June 7 to August 13, 2027 and requires returning to school in Fall 2027. Compensation is based on experience and location, typically hourly.

Qualifications

• Must be returning to school Fall 2027.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving with precision.
• Ability to follow timelines and escalate when needed.
• Effective written, oral, and visual communication.
• Limited experience in structural analysis, drafting and design development.
• Proficient in Google Sheets; basic knowledge of ETABS, Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper.

Responsibilities

• Participate in design projects across architecture and engineering disciplines.
• Learn from experts through in-person and virtual sessions.
• Assist with visualization and drafting tasks as needed.

Skills

Initiative

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Structural engineering student

Tools

Google Sheets

ETABS

Revit

Rhino/Grasshopper

Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Summer Internship Program Overview

The Summer Internship Program is open to applicants who are planning careers in architecture, structural & sustainable engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design. Spend the summer learning from experts in all of our design disciplines, building your design and visualization skills and contributing to world class design projects. Summer Interns participate in a wide range of in-person and virtual learning opportunities and events.

SOM's Summer Internship Program will run from June 7, 2027 until August 13, 2027

Desired Skills And Expertise

• Current student in an accredited bachelor’s program or master’s degree program in structural engineering or related field of study and returning to school in the Fall of 2027.
• Exhibits initiative, problem solving, and a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.
• Able to follow instructions on timelines of deliverables, seeks guidance when needed, escalates appropriately if required.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral and visual means.
• Limited experience in structural analysis, drafting and design development.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, specifically Sheets. Basic knowledge of ETABS, Revit and Rhino/Grasshopper.

Reminders

• You must be returning to school in Fall 2027 to be considered for a summer internship at SOM.
• Application deadline is January 18, 2027.

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $30/per hour to $32/per hour.