Rail Design and Construction Intern

HDR; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Rail & Construction Intern in Rosemont, IL to gain real-world experience on freight and transit railroad projects while supporting design, construction, and inspections under a Licensed Professional Engineer.

You will apply civil engineering techniques, learn AREMA practices, and use MicroStation/CAD tools. Strong communication and attention to detail are encouraged, with local candidates preferred.

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.

Responsibilities

• Apply civil engineering techniques to support the design and construction of freight and transit railroad projects.
• Perform standard AREMA calculations and assist with geometric layout.
• Develop details and quantity development; occasional site inspections.
• CADD plan production and collaboration under a Licensed Professional Engineer.

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.

The primary responsibilities will be to apply civil engineering techniques to support the design and construction of freight and transit railroad projects. Additional duties include performing standard AREMA calculations, assisting with geometric layout, developing details, and quantity development. Occasional site inspections of track and/or bridge construction may be required. CADD plan production will also be required. This person will work under the direction of a Licensed Professional Engineer on both local and national projects.

In the role of a Rail and Construction Intern we'll count on you to:

• Gain real-world experience on exciting projects
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professional's programs
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of a professional or Project Manager
• 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
• Interest in railroads preferred
• Interest in construction management preferred
• Experience with MicroStation or other CAD design software preferred
• Good communication skills
• Preference given to local candidates with internship experience.

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.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Illinois: $20.00- $25.00 Primary Location: United States-Illinois-Rosemont Industry: Freight Rail Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Temporary BusinessClass: Railway Design Job Posting: Sep 10, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affinitive 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.