Freight Rail Intern

HDR; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Freight Rail Intern to gain real-world experience on projects related to track, structures and supporting facilities. You will work under the supervision of a senior engineer, helping check drawings, develop material lists, and review submittals using standard engineering techniques.

This temporary, full-time role offers mentorship, exposure to mentoring programs, and potential travel within the United States.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Active participation in employee-owned culture is a must.
• 2+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA.
• Experience with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
• Interest in freight railroad industry and/or transit.
• Preference given to local candidates.

Responsibilities

• Gain real-world experience on projects applying standard engineering techniques for track, structures, and related facilities.
• Assist in checking drawings and calculations, develop material lists and quantities, review submittals, and use specialized software.
• Mentor through programs connecting with recent graduates and company leaders.
• Position may require travel and/or field work within the U.S.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Engineering student

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Job description

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 transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

Freight Rail Intern

• Gain real-world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures related to the design of track, structures, and supporting facilities for our various freight railroad clients
• Work under the guidance and direct supervision of a senior-level Engineer to assist in checking drawings and calculations, developing material lists and calculating quantities, reviewing construction submittals, and use of specialized software
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals programs
• Position may require travel and/or field work within the U.S.
• 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, such as MicroStation and/or AutoCAD
• Interest in freight railroad industry and/or transit
• Preference given to local candidates

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.

Primary Location: United States-Missouri-Kansas City Industry: Freight Rail Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Temporary BusinessClass: Railway Design Job Posting: Aug 7, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.