Civil Engineering Internship
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Fort Wayne, IN, 46802
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 3 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 Civil 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 [Location Name] facility located in [City Name]. This internship will take place in [insert timing].
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 Civil Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?
- Apply engineering principles to support ongoing design, analysis, and construction projects.
- Assist in evaluating and designing structural components such as foundations, platforms, supports, and building systems.
- 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 while developing trials and solutions to meet facility needs.
Qualifications
What Qualifications Do I Need?
- Candidates should be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Civil Engineering or related field
- Preferred GPA of at least 2.7
Examples of Projects Steel Dynamics Civil & 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.
- Assess and design foundations for heavy equipment such as furnaces, rolling mills, and ladle stations, accounting for soil conditions and load distribution.
- Inspect aging infrastructure, including steel frames, concrete floors, columns, and roofing, to identify signs of degradation or structural fatigue.
- Recommend reinforcements, structural retrofits, or repairs to maintain regulatory compliance, safety, and performance of existing infrastructure.
- Collaborate with contractors and vendors to obtain repair quotes, clarify technical requirements, and coordinate implementation timelines.
- Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, OSHA safety regulations, and industry-specific standards through thorough documentation and review.
- Support or manage construction projects on-site by coordinating contractors, monitoring timelines, verifying structural work, and resolving field issues.
- Participate in structural detailing using AutoCAD and BIM tools like Tekla, converting structural drawings into fabrication-ready models and resolving model discrepancies.
- Generate finalized “Field Use” drawings that include joist spacing, sizing, material marks, and coordination with customer reference models to ensure project readiness.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Strong fundamentals in structural analysis, proficiency with AutoCAD and BIM software, and hands-on experience with field inspections are vital. Candidates should also be adept at collaborating across teams, interpreting engineering data, and understanding safety protocols to thrive in civil engineering internships.
Interns gain exposure to real-world projects, blending design, inspection, and construction management. This practical experience bridges academic knowledge with industrial application, fostering problem-solving skills crucial for structural engineering roles post-graduation.
Fort Wayne's growing industrial sector increases demand for civil engineering interns, but competition remains moderate due to specialized skill requirements. Local universities and technical programs feed a steady candidate pool, making early applications advantageous.
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and knowledge of Indiana's building codes can enhance your profile. Additionally, certifications in construction safety or steel fabrication processes are valued by companies like Steel Dynamics operating in Fort Wayne.
Expect to engage in structural design assistance, conduct field inspections, analyze load capacities, and collaborate with contractors. Tasks often involve drafting technical drawings, performing data collection, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
Civil internships focus specifically on infrastructure projects such as foundations, platforms, and structural supports, integrating fieldwork and design. In contrast, general engineering internships may span various disciplines with less emphasis on construction and structural durability.
Steel Dynamics involves interns in impactful projects beyond passive observation, offering hands-on roles in both design and fieldwork. The internship includes exposure to manufacturing environments, collaboration with engineers and contractors, and participation in an intern extravaganza event.
Yes, benefits include fully furnished housing for interns living over 50 miles away, competitive pay, access to a 401(k) plan with company matching, employee discounts, and wellness support programs. These perks create a supportive internship experience.
Typically, civil engineering interns in Fort Wayne earn between $18 and $25 per hour, reflecting regional industry standards and the hands-on nature of the role. Compensation may vary based on experience, academic standing, and specific project responsibilities.
Fort Wayne hosts several manufacturing and construction firms offering internships. Checking local university job boards, industry-specific job portals, and Steel Dynamics’ career page can reveal openings aligned with civil engineering students’ interests.