Protective Design Engineer Internship - Summer 2026

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,400 professionals across 30 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

What are your plans for next summer? At KPFF, we are looking for Protective Design Engineer Interns to join our team of engineers in San Francisco and Portland who are eager to apply their skills to projects that focus on the safety, resilience, and security of the built environment.

As an intern with us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that involve blast analysis, progressive collapse evaluation, anti-ram design, and structural hardening for federal, commercial, and infrastructure clients. You won’t just observe, you’ll play an active role in the engineering process and learn how protective design integrates with structural engineering to safeguard people and critical facilities.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Hands-on project work: Support protective design projects through modeling, analysis, and design of structures that meet rigorous safety and security criteria.
• Exposure to unique methods: Learn about blast-load considerations, progressive collapse mitigation, and advanced protective measures alongside experienced protective design specialists.
• Comprehensive mentorship: Receive guidance from engineers who are experts in both structural and protective design.
• Site and field exposure: Gain experience with construction administration, site visits, and interactions with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and partners.
• Team collaboration: Work in a collaborative environment where protective design intersects with structural, civil, and other engineering disciplines.
• Career development: Build a strong foundation in protective design that will set you apart as you enter the engineering profession.

• A strong passion for pursuing a career in structural or protective design engineering, ideally with interest in resilience, safety, and security of structures.
• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Civil or Structural Engineering (junior level or higher, with at least three years of completed coursework) or a Master’s program in structural engineering.
• Coursework or exposure to structural dynamics, steel design and/or concrete design is preferred.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with structural analysis software (ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, or LS-DYNA) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Comfort with conducting site visits and navigating construction sites, including climbing ladders and walking on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials.

How to Apply
If you’re excited to start your career with us, submit your application online, including a cover letter, resume, and your current unofficial transcripts. Please note that this internship requires you to be onsite and is not a remote position.

Compensation
KPFF is committed to recognizing the valuable contributions of our interns by offering compensation that reflects market standards and aligns with the local cost of living. This role offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $30.00 to $34.00, based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to hourly pay, interns at KPFF benefit from:

• Paid overtime opportunities when project needs require additional hours.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects that add real value to your academic and professional development.
• Mentorship and training that are part of KPFF’s investment in future engineers.
• Networking and career growth opportunities, including the potential for full-time employment after graduation.

Our Culture
At KPFF, interns are valued as key contributors to our success. We cultivate a collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment that empowers individuals to take ownership of their projects. Interns at KPFF experience a dynamic workplace where autonomy and creativity are encouraged. Our team takes pride in mentoring interns and sharing professional insights to help shape the next generation of engineers.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.