Engineering Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
Engineering Intern jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in federal government contracting, defense and intelligence systems, civil and environmental infrastructure, and policy-adjacent technical roles, making the District one of the most distinctive markets for early-career engineers in the country. Most hiring clusters in Washington D.C. itself, with additional openings in the adjacent Maryland and Virginia corridors, and well-established employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and the Army Corps of Engineers regularly bring on engineering interns across disciplines. The most in-demand specializations include systems engineering, civil and structural work, and software-integrated engineering roles tied to federal programs. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
The Washington, DC office of SmithGroup is looking for a Fire Protection Engineering Intern to join our team for the summer of 2027.
Working with us, you will:
- Work on integrated architecture and engineering project design teams.
- Model the design of supply, waste & ventilation, medical gas, and fire protection systems using Revit 3D Modeling software.
- Perform fire suppression calculations using the latest calculation software.
- Calculate pipe sizing for all plumbing and fire protection systems.
- Complete fire alarm system layouts.
- Perform building code and life safety analyses.
- Receive mentorship from experienced engineers.
- Visit construction site(s) and/or completed project sites.
An ideal candidate has:
- Completed at least their sophomore year or have graduate standing in an accredited mechanical, electrical, architectural, or fire protection engineering program by the time of the internship.
- Relevant course work in fire protection.
- Some experience with Revit, AutoCAD, RAM, RISA, Robot, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
If you are interested in being considered for a SmithGroup internship, please submit a cover letter and resume on your application. Cover letters are optional, but highly encouraged to help us understand your interests.
SmithGroup promotes a healthy work/life balance for our staff, as well as hybrid work options that give interns the flexibility to work within our vibrant office culture or remotely, as needed. The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $22.60 to $25.96 per hour, at the time of posting. You are eligible to receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a work week. Our 12-week summer internships are held between May-August.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.
SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
The Washington, DC office of SmithGroup is looking for a Fire Protection Engineering Intern to join our team for the summer of 2027.
Working with us, you will:
- Work on integrated architecture and engineering project design teams.
- Model the design of supply, waste & ventilation, medical gas, and fire protection systems using Revit 3D Modeling software.
- Perform fire suppression calculations using the latest calculation software.
- Calculate pipe sizing for all plumbing and fire protection systems.
- Complete fire alarm system layouts.
- Perform building code and life safety analyses.
- Receive mentorship from experienced engineers.
- Visit construction site(s) and/or completed project sites.
An ideal candidate has:
- Completed at least their sophomore year or have graduate standing in an accredited mechanical, electrical, architectural, or fire protection engineering program by the time of the internship.
- Relevant course work in fire protection.
- Some experience with Revit, AutoCAD, RAM, RISA, Robot, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
If you are interested in being considered for a SmithGroup internship, please submit a cover letter and resume on your application. Cover letters are optional, but highly encouraged to help us understand your interests.
SmithGroup promotes a healthy work/life balance for our staff, as well as hybrid work options that give interns the flexibility to work within our vibrant office culture or remotely, as needed. The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $22.60 to $25.96 per hour, at the time of posting. You are eligible to receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a work week. Our 12-week summer internships are held between May-August.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.
See All 16 Engineering Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Intern JobsEngineering Intern Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Intern Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering intern jobs across District of Columbia.
- Currently enrolled in an accredited engineering degree program at an accredited U.S. institution
- Familiarity with federal contracting environments or government agency work preferred
- Proficiency in engineering software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or similar technical tools
- Ability to obtain a security clearance or pass a federal background investigation
- Strong written communication skills for technical documentation and federal reporting requirements
- Coursework or project experience in systems, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering disciplines
Engineering Intern Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering intern in District of Columbia?
Most engineering intern positions in District of Columbia require active enrollment in an accredited bachelor's or master's engineering program, with no standalone D.C. intern license needed at the student stage. Employers, especially federal contractors, often require candidates to be on track for graduation within one to two years. Some roles supporting licensed Professional Engineer work may ask for evidence of EIT exam eligibility, though that credential is administered through the D.C. Board of Professional Engineering after graduation.
Which companies hire engineering interns in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring engineering interns in District of Columbia right now include Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA), WSP, and TYLin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The D.C. market skews heavily toward large federal contractors and government agencies, so internships here often come with exposure to defense, infrastructure, and policy-driven technical projects that differ substantially from private-sector programs elsewhere.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most engineering intern jobs?
The cities with the most engineering intern openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington D.C. anchors the market given the concentration of federal agencies and their primary contractors headquartered in the city, while nearby suburban hubs in the Metro area draw overflow hiring from the same large employers operating satellite offices close to major facilities and clearance-heavy campuses.
Are there remote engineering intern jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields. About 67% of engineering intern openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on lab, site, and classified facility requirements common in D.C.-area programs. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are software-integrated engineering, data analysis, and policy research roles within technical teams.
How can I get hired as a engineering intern in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to structured internship programs run by major federal contractors and government agencies in D.C., many of which are designed for students with no prior professional experience. Organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, the Army Corps of Engineers, and various civilian federal agencies run defined early-career programs open to sophomore and junior students. Building a portfolio of academic project work and pursuing EIT exam eligibility after graduation signals readiness for licensed engineering environments in the District.
Where can I find and apply to engineering intern jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to engineering intern jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current D.C.-area openings updated in real time. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your program, skills, and availability, and apply directly to each employer. No account creation is required to see the listings.
See All 16 Engineering Intern Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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