Structural Co-op (Winter 2027)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

HDR is currently seeking applications from dynamic and eager to learn engineering students for a four or eight month placement or longer at our downtown Vancouver office. In this role, the successful candidate will work on a large variety of projects associated with building structural systems for different buildings and non-building structures. The student will work concurrently on multiple projects that are in various stages of design and construction. This diverse array of projects and tasks will provide the student with excellent opportunities to learn about all aspects of the building engineering industry.

HDR will also ensure that the successful candidate is well supported and put in a position to succeed. They will be working as an important member of our structural team, who will provide them with mentorship to support their growth and development. Additionally, the student will also have the opportunity to work with and learn from several of HDR's subject matter experts throughout the company.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will vary in scope depending on project mix. In the role of Structural Co-op, we'll count on you to:

• Offer real-world experience on exciting projects
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals programs
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of a professional or Project Manager
• Conduct supervised design calculations and element design (with a focus on calculations associated with steel, concrete, mass timber and masonry structures).
• Produce sketches and drawings to communicate design concepts.
• Document review and interpretation to support construction activities.
• Participate in field reviews or investigations to support construction activities.
• Prepare field reports based on onsite observations.
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Independent learner who is capable of quickly learning new skills.
• Successful working in a team environment.
• Keen observer with a strong attention to detail.
• Skilled in using CAD software's such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu.
• Skilled in using any structural analytical program like SAP2000, ETABS, SAFE, RESA3D, RAM, RFEM and similar apps
• Knowledge of engineering principles associated with building structural system for wood, steel, concrete, and masonry structures
• Past experience working with an Engineering firm.
• Ability to rigorously audit, validate, and verify all AI-generated outputs (examples: technical correspondence and code interpretations) against core engineering fundamentals and regulations
• Experience using AI productivity tools to accelerate project workstreams including technical writing, code and specification research, and performance simulation and modelling
  

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.

HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.