Summer 2026 Internship

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is offering Summer 2026 Internship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, and structural engineering at multiple office locations across the country.

WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists committed to helping clients solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. As an Intern, you will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with industry-leading experts and gain hands-on experience while applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. A day in the life of a WJE intern may include field visits to active investigation sites, observations of in-progress construction, or collaborating with staff in our world-class laboratory in Northbrook, Illinois.

With offices across the country, a growing international presence, and some of the most interesting projects in the built world, WJE offers the chance to learn what you love and discover where you want to be.

Typical Intern Responsibilities: 

• Assist project teams with on-site investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations, which may include documenting distress, field testing, gathering data, collecting test samples, and preparing site visit reports

• Organize field data and assist with research of modern and historic construction documents, building codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and repair design

• Perform analysis under the guidance of licensed professionals using a combination of analysis software and engineering calculations

• Assist project teams with the preparation of preliminary and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction drawings, specifications, and written reports

Qualifications WJE looks for in an Intern:

• Current student with excellent academic standing in their junior or senior year of a bachelor’s or in a graduate program in civil or structural engineering, architecture, architectural engineering, building science, or related field

• Effective verbal, graphical, and written communication skills

• Enthusiasm for solving problems in the built world and curiosity about how things work

• Interest in forensic engineering and architecture with a focus on existing structures

• Demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and work ethic

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax/copy machines, telephone/voice mail systems, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at the various office, field, and construction sites

• Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments

• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors

• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens

• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.

• Ability to travel

• Ability to safely work at heights

• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment

• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards

• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations

• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment

• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee’s annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance, often resulting in above-market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range:  

This non-exempt position is also eligible for WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately

• Time off to care for yourself and others

• Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development

​Learn more about WJE’s total rewards package here. 

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.