Structural Engineer Intern - Energy & Industrial Group
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Description
Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.
- As a Structural Engineer Intern, you will be assigned to work on a project team and assist the engineering team members in the execution of their project work. These projects may involve the design of new and/or modifications and upgrades to existing power plant or industrial systems, components, and structures.
- Working under the direction of senior engineers, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Structural Engineering in the following areas:
- Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, specifications, and designs.
- Review engineering related submittals from outside sources such as equipment information and shop drawings.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- Must have an expected graduation date in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 toward a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and coursework in an interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, reinforced concrete design and foundation design.
- Good verbal and written communication skills along with strong PC skills are required.
- Prior, related internship or co-op experience.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering and technology.
- Knowledge of any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, or ANSYS
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$17.50 - $27.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit
The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.
Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's energy and industrial engineering fields offer moderate competition for structural engineering interns, driven by the city's strong industrial base. Candidates with experience in software like STAAD Pro or SAP2000 and a solid civil engineering background tend to stand out in this specialized energy sector.
In Chicago, familiarity with regional building codes and proficiency in structural analysis tools such as Mathcad or Ansys can significantly enhance your profile for internships. Additionally, understanding Illinois-specific industrial compliance standards is advantageous for roles at firms like Sargent & Lundy.
Daily tasks typically involve assisting senior engineers with structural calculations, reviewing technical submittals, and supporting design modifications on power plant structures. This hands-on exposure to industrial projects helps interns gain practical skills in structural steel and reinforced concrete design.
Candidates pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from ABET-accredited programs with coursework in materials behavior, structural steel, concrete design, and foundation engineering are ideal. A strong GPA and relevant internship experience also enhance readiness for such specialized energy infrastructure projects.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes exposure to advanced power plant design and decarbonization technologies, offering unique chances to work on carbon capture and renewable energy projects. This focus on cutting-edge industrial solutions sets it apart from typical internships centered on conventional structural tasks.
The internship integrates real-world experience with renewable energy and carbon capture initiatives, backed by a culture awarded for benefits and work-life balance. Interns benefit from mentorship by senior engineers and contribute to projects shaping sustainable industrial infrastructure.
Sargent & Lundy fosters a supportive, inclusive environment recognized by multiple culture excellence awards. Engineering interns enjoy flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health plans, and a strong emphasis on professional development within Chicago’s dynamic energy industry.
The compensation for this internship ranges between $17.50 and $27.00 per hour, reflecting local market conditions and the specialized nature of structural engineering within the energy and industrial sectors. Performance bonuses may also be available annually.
Familiarity with engineering software such as SAP2000 or Safe can accelerate an intern’s ability to contribute effectively to design and analysis tasks, making them valuable team members in tackling complex power plant and industrial structure projects.
Relocation assistance is not offered for this internship. Applicants should consider Chicago’s cost of living and commuting options when applying, as the company expects candidates to be locally based or able to commute independently.