Federal Planning Intern Summer 2026 at WSP in the U.S Onsite Role In Arlington, VA 20.87-29.73$/hr Stipend

WSP USA, a leading global engineering and design firm, is hiring a Federal Planning Intern for their Arlington, VA office. This is a prestigious opportunity to work within WSP’s Federal division, which supports critical infrastructure and planning projects for the U.S. government.

Unlike typical urban planning roles, this position focuses on Department of Defense (DoD) projects. You could be working on installation master planning, airfield planning, or electric vehicle (EV) transition studies for bases in the U.S., Europe, and East Asia. This is a high-impact role where you will participate in fast-paced "charrettes" (collaborative design sessions) directly with clients.

Key Responsibilities

You will work alongside senior staff to develop technical, social, and ethical planning skills.

1. Planning & Design

• Charrettes: Participate in on-site collaborative planning charrettes with clients to solve complex design problems in real-time.
• Master Planning: Assist with site plans, master plans, and development standards for military installations.
• Visualization: Use strong graphics skills to create 3D illustrations, maps, models, and infographics that interpret complex data.

2. Technical & Research

• Reports: Use technical writing skills to help develop captivating planning reports.
• Analysis: Independently evaluate and research technical criteria (ecology, geography, regulatory compliance) to identify development constraints.
• Documentation: Generate technical memos, meeting minutes, and transmittals.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Due to the sensitive nature of federal work, strict eligibility rules apply.

1. Citizenship (Strict)

• US Citizenship: You must be a US Citizen. (No H1B sponsorship or non-citizens due to client requirements).

2. Academic Status

• Enrollment: Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Undergraduate, Master's, or PhD program.
• Majors: Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related fields.
• Graduation: Your anticipated graduation date must be August 2026 or later.

3. Skills & Software

• Preferred Tech Stack: Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil3D, ArcGIS, and Adobe Suite (Illustrator/InDesign) is highly desired.
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to interact with military and government clients.

Compensation & Travel

• Pay Rate: $20.87 - $29.73 per hour (Based on education level and experience).
• Travel: Uniquely for an internship, this role requires the ability to travel, including potential overnight trips and international travel to project sites.

How to Apply

If you are interested in shaping the built environment for national defense and federal infrastructure, apply immediately.

Apply Here (Official WSP Careers Portal)