Structural Engineering Internship

Division

Overview

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 Salem facility located in Salem, VA. 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 a comfortable 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, cultural immersion, 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.