Truss Design Intern

Description The Drexel WayWe don’t just sell lumber; we Supply. Happiness. Drexel Building Supply is Team Member-owned and community-driven. With six retail hubs and three manufacturing plants across Wisconsin, we’ve been named a Wisconsin Top Workplace every year since 2011! Why? Because we hire for heart, train for skill, and live by our 11 core values - the backbone of what drives Team Blue to success. When you join our team, you aren't just an intern - you’re an owner!

The MissionAs a Truss Design Intern, your mission is to transform architectural plans, blueprints, and customer specifications into actionable roof truss designs that bring our customers’ dreams to life. Driven by our core values, you will bring an enthusiastic, detail-oriented attitude to the design process, learning to master structural load concepts, truss modeling software, and component placement plans. Through clear communication and mathematical precision, you will directly support our design and manufacturing teams in delivering exceptional structural building components, contributing to our overall success and experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of Team Blue!

About the Internship

• Schedule & Hours: In-person internship running 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Timeline: Begins May 2026 and concludes August 2026.
• SHU Day & Kickoff Location: The first day of the internship, Supply Happiness University (SHU), takes place at Drexel Building Supply in Campbellsport (110 E Main St., Campbellsport, WI). (Note: Transportation for SHU day is not provided and must be arranged by the intern.)
• Summer Placement: Following SHU day, interns report to their summer-long location in Wrightstown, Wisconsin (placements finalized by the beginning of January 2026).

Defining the Role

• Blueprint & Framing Analysis: Read and interpret architectural blueprints, structural drawings, and scopes of work with mathematical accuracy.
• Truss Modeling & Component Design: Model functional roof and floor truss layouts, profile designs, and component specifications to meet project requirements.
• Manufacturing Documentation: Transform design concepts and structural specifications into comprehensive, production-ready truss placement plans and shop-floor documentation.
• Structural Fundamentals: Learn and apply structural engineering concepts, including roof, floor, gravity, and lateral load paths, as well as bearing conditions.
• Collaborative & Detail-Oriented Mindset: Bring a detail-oriented, analytical, and communicative approach to every design project, working closely with designers, production facilities, and sales teams.

What Success Looks LikePerformance is measured by your direct impact on design accuracy, speed, and cross-team execution:

• Design Precision & Accuracy: High attention to detail in translating architectural plans into complete, buildable, and code-compliant truss packages.
• Technical Growth: Rapid development in industry-standard truss design software and structural framing fundamentals.
• Active Collaboration: Clear and proactive communication with design teammates, plant production personnel, sales reps, and builders to ensure client happiness.
• Teamwork & Culture: Energetic alignment with Drexel's 11 core values and our "Supply. Happiness." mindset.

The Essentials

• Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Drafting/Technology, Building Construction, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Comfortable with design software and strong mathematical proficiency. Experience with CAD, Mitek Management, or specialized truss/component design software is highly encouraged.
• Core Strengths: Detail-oriented, organized, analytical problem solver with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with or a strong desire to learn residential and commercial framing, blueprint reading, and structural load principles (roof, floor, and truss systems).

The Drexel Advantage

• The Wealth-Builder (Ownership): Gain hands-on exposure to a Team Member-owned ESOP culture where everyone wins together.
• Professional Growth: Hands-on experience working directly with industry experts on real-world manufacturing and component design projects.
• Team Blue Culture: A fun, supportive work environment recognized as a Wisconsin Top Workplace every year since 2011!
• Clothing Discount: Drexel covers 50% of your apparel items ordered through the Drexel team clothing site.

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