2027 AKS Structural Engineering Internship Program

Go Beyond the Classroom

Looking to build real-world experience this summer? The AKS Internship Program gives college students the chance to apply what they’re learning in the classroom, build practical skills, and contribute in a professional environment. Through meaningful project experience and a supportive team setting, interns gain confidence, broaden their understanding of the industry, and take important steps toward career readiness.

How it Works

Each internship experience may look a little different depending on the role and team, but every internship is designed to help students learn by doing. Interns gain hands-on experience through real work, connect with professionals across AKS, and get a better understanding of how different disciplines contribute to project outcomes.

For students who return, each summer can build on the last with new experiences, added responsibility, and a deeper understanding of areas that interest them. Participation is a one-summer commitment at a time. Students who are interested in returning are encouraged to express interest, and continued participation depends on performance, program fit, and available positions.

Who You Are

To be considered for this internship program, students should:

• Be currently enrolled in an ABET- or NICET-accredited 2- or 4-year program with a declared major in Civil Engineering or similar.

• Have completed at least two years of engineering-related coursework in college before the internship start date; structural coursework is a plus

• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer

• Be able to work from the Tualatin, OR office, where this program is offered

• Have a valid driver’s license

• Have prior construction experience (not required, but a plus)

What You’ll Learn

• See structural design take shape: Build an understanding of how structural engineering concepts translate into real, buildable solutions for a variety of project types.

• Apply classroom knowledge to real project work: Gain hands-on exposure to structural analysis, design support, drafting coordination, and project documentation.

• Understand the factors that guide structural decisions: Learn how codes, site conditions, project needs, and coordination with other disciplines influence structural design.

Day in the Life (Examples)

Work under the direction of a Structural Engineer or Structural Designer and alongside the Structural Engineering team to gain hands-on experience in a client-focused consulting environment. Interns can expect to work approximately 40-50 hours per week while contributing to project work and day-to-day team priorities. Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with structural analysis, calculations, and other technical tasks that support building or infrastructure design.

• Supporting the development of structural plans, details, specifications, and other project documentation.

• Participating in site visits or structural observations alongside experienced engineers to better understand existing conditions and construction progress.

• Coordinating with structural staff and other disciplines to support code compliance, design development, and project delivery.

We Have Your Back

At AKS, interns are supported throughout the summer. Each intern is paired with a mentor and receives direction from a supervisor who guides assignments and project work. That supervisor may vary depending on the projects involved.

Throughout the internship, interns receive regular feedback to support learning, growth, and professional development. At the end of the summer, each intern participates in a final evaluation to reflect on their experience, discuss future goals, and explore the possibility of returning for another internship, based on performance and available openings.

Earn While You Learn

This is a paid internship, and interns are compensated for their time and contributions. Pay is provided on an hourly basis, with overtime paid at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. The typical pay range for this position is $19 to $25 per hour. Time off may be requested in advance, but it is unpaid.