Structural Engineering Internship
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Butler, IN, 46721
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Division
New MillenniumOverview
What Does Steel Dynamics Do?
Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company that produces lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Operating through a circular manufacturing model, the company manufactures a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products for industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. In addition to steel production, Steel Dynamics operates metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
This is a New Millennium Position. Who is New Millennium?
A division of Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), New Millennium was founded in 1999 in Butler, Indiana, with one clear mission: To be a trusted collaborator for the design, engineering, and supply of structural steel joists and deck. Today, 25 years later, we’re one of the largest providers of high-performance structural steel joists, joist girders, and deck solutions for commercial steel construction projects.
What Makes This Internship Different?
The Structural Engineering Internship at Steel Dynamics is unique because interns are not limited to observing or performing routine tasks, they are directly involved in projects that impact production, safety, and long-term infrastructure reliability. Unlike many programs that focus solely on classroom-style assignments, SDI interns gain hands-on experience in both design and field work, from analyzing and drafting structural components to inspecting and reinforcing critical infrastructure in active industrial environments. This combination of office and on-site project involvement provides students with exposure to the full lifecycle of civil engineering work in a manufacturing setting. Many interns also work alongside contractors, operators, and engineers, giving them a broader perspective of how civil engineering integrates with operations and business strategy. The result is an experience that goes beyond traditional internships by preparing students to solve real-world challenges and contribute measurable value from day one.
Internship Location
This internship is located at the New Millennium Butler facility located in Butler IN. This internship will take place in Summer 2026.
Internship Benefits
- Furnished Housing Free of Cost
- Provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site, including essential furnishings to ensure acomfortable stay during the internship.
- 401(k) & Company Match
- Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a 10–50% company match that vests immediately.
- Employee Discounts
- Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and other goods and services through Steel Dynamics’ nationwide partnernetwork.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Up to five free visits per issue, per year for counseling, legal advice, financial guidance, and other daily living resources.
- Intern Extravaganza
- A two-day event at company headquarters featuring facility tours, networking with company leaders, culturalimmersion, and connecting with other interns from across the country.
- Competitive Pay
- Competitive hourly wages for all internship positions, rewarding the value interns bring to the company.
Responsibilities
What Are My Responsibilities as a Structural Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?
Apply engineering principles to support ongoing design, analysis, and construction projects ranging from community churches, schools, offices and retail buildings to athletic facilities and fieldhouses to massive warehouses and data centers covering acres of land for the world’s largest distribution and data storage companies.
Assist in evaluating and designing structural components such as platforms, open-web steel joists and girders, and welded and bolted connections.
Conduct inspections of existing infrastructure to identify potential issues and recommend solutions.
Perform experiments, collect field data, and analyze results to guide project decisions and operational improvements.
Utilize laboratory and engineering tools, including AutoCAD and BIM software, to create drawings, models, and technical documentation.
Collaborate with engineers, contractors, and operations personnel to clarify requirements, coordinate repairs, and support project execution.
Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety standards, and internal quality expectations.
Contribute to day-to-day engineering activities in a fast-paced industrial environment to meet facility needs.
Qualifications
What Qualifications Do I Need?
- Candidates should have a strong interest in Structural Engineering, and be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Civil Engineering or related field, enabling attainment of EIT license and eventual Civil PE licensure.
- Preferred GPA of at least 2.7
Examples of Projects Steel Dynamics Structural Engineering Interns Have Completed
- Design and analyze structures such as buildings, crane runways, mezzanines, platforms, and equipment supports to ensure long-term durability under industrial conditions.
- Evaluate structural loading, vibration, thermal expansion, and wear to ensure all designs can withstand heavy and dynamic forces over time.
- Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, OSHA safety regulations, and industry-specific standards through thorough documentation and review.
- Participate in structural detailing using AutoCAD, converting structural drawings into fabrication-ready drawings and details.
- Generate finalized modification details to resolve field conflicts and coordinate with information provided by outside parties to ensure project success.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Structural Engineer
Frequently asked questions
Proficiency in AutoCAD and BIM software often sets candidates apart, along with a solid grasp of structural analysis principles. Demonstrated interest in design and hands-on problem solving, coupled with coursework in civil engineering fundamentals, strengthens your application for structural engineering internships.
Internships in Butler provide exposure to industrial-scale steel projects, blending office design tasks with fieldwork. This experience enables interns to understand real-world challenges in structural engineering within manufacturing, accelerating readiness for professional engineering roles and licensure.
Interns often engage in designing steel joists, analyzing load-bearing components, and conducting infrastructure inspections. They collaborate with engineers and contractors to address field issues, ensuring that designs meet safety and code standards while gaining practical exposure to construction processes.
Steel Dynamics offers interns direct involvement in impactful projects, furnished housing, and access to professional networking events like the Intern Extravaganza. The program integrates technical tasks with exposure to operational strategies, fostering a comprehensive industrial engineering perspective.
Unlike typical observation roles, Steel Dynamics expects interns to contribute to design and field inspections actively. Interns support critical infrastructure projects, collaborate across departments, and engage in problem-solving that influences production and safety outcomes.
Yes, interns benefit from competitive hourly wages, eligibility for a 401(k) plan with immediate company matching, and access to employee discounts nationwide. Additionally, free furnished housing is available for those commuting over 50 miles, enhancing affordability during the internship.
Structural Engineering Interns in Butler typically earn between $18 and $24 per hour, reflecting local industry standards. This range accounts for the technical nature of the work, hands-on experience, and the region's cost of living.
Butler's industrial hub status, especially with Steel Dynamics' presence, creates steady demand for structural engineering interns focused on steel and construction projects. While larger cities may offer more openings, Butler provides specialized opportunities in manufacturing-focused engineering roles.
Interns living beyond 50 miles qualify for free furnished housing, easing relocation concerns. However, those commuting locally should consider Butler's rural setting, transportation availability, and weather impacts on travel during summer months.
Daily activities blend drafting structural components with onsite inspections. Interns analyze platforms, joists, and connections, coordinate with contractors to address field issues, and use engineering software for design modifications—immersing them in both office and industrial environments.