Summer 2027 Internship (Fire Protection Engineering Students)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking current fire protection engineering students for a Summer 2027 Internship within our Fire Protection Engineering practice based on-site in one of the following locations: Chicago, IL; Northbrook, IL; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA.

Since 1956, WJE has been a global leader in engineering, architecture, and materials science, dedicated to solving, repairing, and preventing challenges in the built environment. Our Fire Protection Engineering group focuses on fire protection systems, life safety, building codes, and performance evaluations for both new and existing structures.

At WJE, our work takes us beyond the office and into the field, where we engage directly with the projects we study. As a Fire Protection Engineering Intern, you will collaborate closely with leading experts in the industry, applying academic knowledge to real-world problems while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Typical Intern Responsibilities: 

• Assist project teams with on-site investigations, condition assessments, and inspections which may include surveying, documenting distress, field testing, collecting data and 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 of fire protection systems and/or building code issues under the guidance of licensed professionals 

• Assist project teams with the preparation of client deliverables, including construction documents, specifications, and written reports

• Contribute to in-house technical research projects

Qualifications WJE looks for in an Intern:

• Current student with excellent academic standing in junior or senior year of a bachelor’s or in a graduate program in fire protection engineering or related field, from an accredited program

• Focused interest in fire protection and life safety objectives and challenges

• Demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and work ethic

• Effective verbal, graphical, and written communication skills

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

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 computer, printer, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, 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.