Structural Engineering Internship

Benesch•Chicago, IL

15h•$18 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference. We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share. At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job! Benesch’s Summer 2026 Structural Engineering Internship offers an exceptional opportunity for motivated university students to gain hands-on experience in the transportation industry with an emphasis on bridge engineering. Interns will spend the summer working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field, contributing to challenging and impactful local transportation projects. As an intern, you will Train with experienced bridge engineers while participating in meaningful, real-world assignments in an office setting. Collaborate across disciplines, gaining exposure to diverse engineering practices and cross-functional teams. Build valuable professional connections that can support your long-term career growth. Receive dedicated mentorship, with an experienced manager overseeing your training, assignments, and professional development, while providing continuous real-time feedback. This internship is based in our downtown Chicago office, with opportunities to work at the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). We are currently seeking conversations with current university students interested in part-time internship opportunities for Summer 2026.

Requirements

Must be a current civil engineering student enrolled at a minimum sophomore level
Resume to include all engineering courses taken to date
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Ability to provide college transcripts
Familiarity with Google platform and/or Microsoft Office products
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Conscientious and cooperative team player
Must have reliable transportation to and from downtown Chicago, IL

Responsibilities

Collect and assimilate data
Perform calculations and computer aid design (CAD) drafting of project elements
Organize design files
Develop task deliverables in a complete and reviewable manner
Conduct research as necessary for projects
Perform clerical tasks as assigned
Assist in bridge inspections
Work independently under the guidance of a Project Engineer

Benefits

Opportunities to work on a variety of transportation projects including state and local transportation agencies
Real-world experience working in an engineering office with some field work
Meaningful on-the-job training from experienced engineers
Hands-on work assignments and/or research for various client projects
Professional Development Opportunities for management and leadership development at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development for Team Leaders, Group Managers, Division Managers, and Executive Leaders
Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses
Ongoing professional development through resources like Red Vector, LinkedIn Learning, technical team meetings, knowledge-sharing training sessions
Personalized training and career development plans with your manager
Funding for training, committee work, professional organization memberships, and licenses/certifications
Support for active participation in professional organizations to foster leadership and community engagement
Access to valuable retirement planning tools, education, and individual meetings with plan advisors at no charge
Potential for Benesch to contribute up to 9% of your gross compensation to your retirement plan (5% profit-sharing contribution to your 401(k) plan, regardless of your own contributions & 80% match on your contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 4%)
Flexible work schedules and hours, including work-from-home options (dependent on the role)
Generous Paid Time Benefits (PTB) that increase with your career
Immediate use of annual PTB; no accrual needed with the ability to bundle time-off plans for extended vacations or life events
Ten days of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
Join our employee resource groups and committees to enhance your work-life balance and contribute to our community-focused initiatives
We support a variety of programs including community service, student scholarships, and matching gift opportunities, reflecting our commitment to a vibrant and diverse workplace
medical, dental, and vision benefits
company-paid life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans
401K plan and profit-sharing contributions to the 401K plan