Intern Engineer: Rail Operations Modeling and Planning - Summer 2026

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

This opportunity entails being responsible for assisting assigned department(s) and/or project(s) by performing basic engineering related tasks which may reflect elements of standard post-secondary engineering curriculum.

The ideal candidate for this position is someone deeply interested in rail transit and wants to explore software and data tools to help plan, expand and enhance rail transportation with an incredible team of experts. This opportunity will allow the candidate to learn and contribute to some of the most large-scale rail and transit planning and design projects underway in the United States. The rail and transit operations analyses performed by the candidate will help inform national and metro rail networks operating and capital decision making.

This internship position is part of HNTB’s highly specialized ROMP (Rail Operations Modeling and Planning) team which provides a full range of operations planning and analysis services for light rail transit, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail and freight railroads. ROMP team is one of the strongest teams of rail professionals in the country that understands the complexity of analyzing rail operations. ROMP’s specialized personnel have extensive experience in analyzing rail and transit operations and simulating freight, passenger and transit operations.

Primary focus will include passenger, freight, and light rail transit operations. You will assist with the development of planning and construction studies from an operations and data-based perspective.

The position is based out of our Chicago office. Relocation and housing are not provided for this position.

What You’ll Do:

• Assists engineer teams in various tasks and duties.

• Assists Engineer with research, development and design of projects.

• Assists Engineer with the preparation of engineering drawings and documents as assigned.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent plus current enrollment in an accredited post-secondary engineering program

What You’ll Bring:

• Understands engineering, geometric, and algebraic principles at a basic level.

• Shows proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Accepts and applies direction from peers and supervisors.

• Obtains an understanding of introductory shop drawing and submittal procedures and requirements.

• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations

• Ability to organize information for use in drawings or other documents

• Relevant coursework experience with railway engineering

What We Prefer:

• Completion of 2 years of post-secondary engineering program

• AutoCAD and/or MicroStation experience

• Strong interest in transportation and infrastructure

• Knowledgeable in programing languages and work with large data sets

• Experience with transportation agencies including rail and transit

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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Locations:

Chicago, IL

The approximate pay range for Illinois is $22.61 - $33.91. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.