Structural Intern

Job Description

About HDR

At HDR, we are a company of employee-owners committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every individual is valued and respected. We believe in empowering our team members to bring their authentic selves and innovative ideas to work daily. Our culture of inclusion extends throughout our company and into our communities, as we constantly reflect on our impact on the world.

Building Engineering Services Group

We believe that building engineering transcends mere systems and structures; it’s about propelling progress and enabling innovation. As a vital part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you will play a crucial role in designing the critical infrastructure that powers the digital age and shapes the environments where people work, connect, and thrive.

Your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience, from high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments. We integrate mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to tackle complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

We invite you to learn more about our mission by watching Our Story. Every role within our organization makes a tangible difference in our ability to improve the world.

The Opportunity: Structural Intern

HDR is seeking a Structural Intern to join our Building Engineering Services Business Group in either Walnut Creek, CA or Folsom, CA. This role offers the chance to support structural design projects across a diverse range of market sectors, including:

• Technology
• Corporate/Commercial
• Education
• Healthcare
• Water/Wastewater
• Municipal
• Industrial
• Power
• Federal

Why Intern at HDR?

As a Structural Intern at HDR, you will collaborate with a team of licensed structural engineers, engineers in training, and BIM designers on various project types and alongside diverse professionals. Our primary goal is to immerse you in all facets of our work, providing you with a deeper understanding of how your coursework is applied in real-world settings. We aim to inspire you to pursue a fulfilling career in structural engineering upon graduation.

Key Responsibilities of a Structural Intern

In the role of Structural Intern, we’ll count on you to:

• Learn how to read and interpret engineering Drawings and Specifications (Contract Documents).
• Participate in engineering design and analysis tasks commensurate with your knowledge and completed coursework.
• Perform small tasks using AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Utilize finite element analysis software (e.g., RAM, ETABS, and SAP2000), hand calculations, and current codes and standards to perform your work under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
• Visit projects under construction to gain insight into how structures are built and inspected.
• Review fabrication (shop) drawings from contractors for conformance to the structural engineering design drawings and specifications.
• Perform other duties as required, offering real-world experience on exciting projects.

This position is subject to a governmental background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate engineering program at an ABET-accredited university with a major in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architectural Engineering, pursuing an emphasis in Structural Engineering.
• Prefer 3 years completed toward degree with a 3.0+ GPA.
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to the field of study/industry.
• Ability to work in-person at our Folsom or Walnut Creek office.
• An attitude that demonstrates a desire to learn, eagerness to serve clients and project teams, enthusiasm for collaboration with others, and a desire to contribute to the success of our team.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Attention to detail.
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture is a must.

What We Believe & Our Commitment

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee-owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Benefits & Compensation

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Away, Parental Leave, Paid Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement

The expected compensation range for this position is $22-$26 an hour and depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles are eligible for limited benefits.)

Location & Schedule

Primary Location: United States-California-Folsom
Other Locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek
Industry: Building Engineering
Schedule: Full-time
Employee Status: Temporary
Business Class: Building Structural
Job Posting: Jan 19, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.