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TKDA · 4 months ago

2026 Summer Intern - Civil Engineering, Transportation (Rail)

DGR - Downers Grove, Illinois

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$20/hr - $24/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

TKDA is an employee-owned engineering and design firm with an exciting opportunity for an undergraduate Civil Engineering student. The intern will contribute to the design of essential infrastructure projects for railroads and assist in construction administration responsibilities, including site inspections and design calculations.

Consulting

No H1B

Responsibilities

Apply academic knowledge while working alongside Architects, Engineers, and Engineering Technicians to contribute to the design of various mainline, yard, siding, and intermodal track projects

Assist with construction administration responsibilities by conducting surveys, interpreting plans, observing construction operations, performing site inspections, and maintaining reports to ensure construction conforms to plans and specifications

Occasionally assist in developing preliminary and final designs using AutoCAD and Civil 3D, and performing design calculations for project dimensions and elevations

Qualification

Civil EngineeringAutoCADCivil 3DMS Office SuiteDrafting techniquesConstruction administrationSurveying responsibilitiesInterpersonal skillsVerbal communicationWritten communication

Required

Undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering; an emphasis in transportation and an interest in rail/track design is a plus

Previous experience or formal training with AutoCAD and Civil 3D

Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to ask questions and engage in discussions with team members and other internal contacts

Ability to work outdoors, walk and climb over rough terrain while carrying up to 50 pounds, and travel as needed for construction administration and site inspections/visits, etc

Ability to travel locally and occasionally overnight for project assignments, team meetings, site visits, etc

Must be at least 21 years of age by May 2026

Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record

Preferred

Previous coursework or project assignments related to rail / track design

Affiliation with an AREMA student chapter is a plus

Thorough understanding of drafting techniques, plan development, and related engineering practices

Previous experience developing construction plans and specifications

Previous experience with construction administration or surveying responsibilities, including operation of instruments, recording and interpreting data, and staking