Intern, Transit Technical Services

Orange County Transportation Authority; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Orange County Transportation Authority is seeking a College Intern for Fleet Engineering/Transit Technical Services in Santa Ana, CA. The role supports engineering analysis, data collection, AutoCAD drafting, and project documentation while gaining exposure to transit fleet technology and operations.

You will work under supervision with a mentor, participate in meaningful projects, and develop skills in data analysis, reporting, and CAD documentation.

Qualifications

• Current full-time freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in a four-year college pursuing engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum GPA 2.5.
• Interest in transportation, vehicle tech, fleet engineering, or public transit.
• Basic engineering principles and problem-solving.
• Strong data skills with spreadsheets, charts, and graphs.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar CAD is desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day technical, analytical, and administrative activities.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret engineering and fleet-related data.
• Assist with engineering analysis and special projects for OCTA's bus fleet.
• Create and update AutoCAD drawings and other technical docs.
• Develop charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and reports for communication.
• Assist with engineering computations, research, specs, and preliminary reports.
• Support fleet-related project planning and monitoring (vehicle tech, fuels, emissions).
• Conduct research and evaluate technical information, trends, and alternatives.
• Maintain project files, update systems/databases, and provide admin support.
• Collaborate with engineers and department professionals on fleet maintenance and operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data handling

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

College Intern - Fleet Engineering/Transit Technical Services

Under direct supervision, this position supports OCTA fleet engineering/Transit Technical Services through engineering analysis, data collection and reporting, AutoCAD drafting, technical projects, and administrative activities. This is an excellent opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment while gaining exposure to transit fleet technology, engineering, and operations.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You'll Do

• Support staff with day-to-day technical, analytical, and administrative activities.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret engineering and fleet-related data.
• Assist with engineering analysis and special projects supporting OCTA's bus fleet and related technologies.
• Create and update AutoCAD drawings and other technical documentation.
• Develop charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and reports to communicate technical and operational data.
• Assist with engineering computations, research, specifications, and preliminary project reports.
• Support the planning and monitoring of fleet-related projects, including vehicle technologies, alternative fuels, emissions, and equipment evaluations.
• Conduct research and assist with evaluating technical information, trends, and project alternatives.
• Maintain project files, update systems and databases, and provide administrative support as needed.
• Collaborate with engineers and other department professionals while gaining exposure to OCTA's fleet maintenance and transit operations.

What We're Looking For

• Current full-time Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior attending a four-year college or university and pursuing a bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Interest in transportation, vehicle technology, fleet engineering, or public transit.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and technical problem-solving.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with data, spreadsheets, charts, and graphs.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design software is desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, take initiative, and learn increasingly complex technical concepts.
• Ability to balance multiple assignments in a professional, fast-paced environment.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Gain hands-on engineering experience while still in college.
• Apply classroom concepts to real-world transit vehicles, technologies, and engineering projects.
• Work alongside experienced engineering and transportation professionals.
• Build valuable skills in AutoCAD, data analysis, technical reporting, and project support.
• Gain exposure to emerging fleet technologies and the future of public transportation.
• Develop your professional network and explore career opportunities in engineering and the transportation industry.
• Make a meaningful contribution to the team responsible for keeping Orange County moving.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.