Bridge Structural Engineering Internship

About the role

Kpff

Seattle’s Civil/ Structural Team is composed primarily of structural engineers who design and evaluate infrastructure that connects communities. Our work spans a wide range of bridge and heavy-civil projects, including highway and pedestrian bridges, retaining walls, culverts that support fish passage, ferry terminals, piers, wharves, and structural inspections.

We take pride in our collaborative approach to consulting, partnering with clients across the industry, from small local agencies, to state transportation departments, to architects and contractors. Our team contributes to projects that range from feasibility studies, to new construction, to rehabilitation, to retrofits, always with a focus on technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

Located in downtown Seattle, our office is now accepting applications for the Summer 2027 Bridge Structural Engineering Internship. This position will provide the opportunity for you to dive headfirst into real-world projects from day one. You will integrate into our teams, and we are excited to share our professional experience with you as we work on projects together. You will help solve real design problems, help complete active project work, as well as:

• Assist experienced engineers in solving complex engineering problems and executing project goals.
• Support engineers and CAD staff with design-related tasks such as calculations, plan production and review.
• Utilizing engineering and design software to contribute to project development.
• Travel to project sites to observe existing conditions and active construction.
• Apply core engineering principles and advanced mathematical techniques to tackle real-world challenges.
• Build familiarity in navigating federal, state, and local regulations, while aligning with KPFF’s and our clients’ standards and practices.
• Thrive in a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative team environment that values creativity, curiosity, and excellence.
• Participate in our internship program, which provides additional career growth and networking opportunities specific to the structural engineering consultant industry.
• (This internship would focus on bridge projects but may include opportunities to work on other types of projects in the group. Job responsibilities will vary depending on team, project, and each individual intern’s interests.)

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an ABET accredited bachelor's or masters (BSCE/MSCE) degree in civil engineering, with a focus on structural engineering.
• Completion of two or more design courses (concrete, steel, wood, or masonry) by the start of the 2027 internship. (Indicate courses completed, in progress, and planned in screening questions.)
• Basic knowledge of engineering fundamentals.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Desire for continued learning.

Additional Information

This is an on-site position in Seattle, WA. All interns are expected to work from our office location.

Physical Demands

• Duties are primarily conducted in a standard office setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer table.
• Occasionally may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Travelling to project sites and performing field observations which may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.

Compensation

The expected range for a qualified candidate is $28.00 - $32.00 hourly.

Benefits provided by KPFF include

• Subsidized ORCA bus/rail pass
• Paid holidays during your internship
• Paid sick and mental health time
• Use of in-office bike storage and lockers
• Use of in-building gym and locker rooms

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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