Rail Engineering Intern

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Rail Engineering Intern to join our Chicago, IL office for Summer 2027. You will assist in developing rail project alignments, right-of-way determinations, and coordinating utilities using OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, and AutoCAD, alongside MS Office tools.

The role emphasizes learning, applying standard engineering techniques, and performing tasks under supervision of a project manager. Strong communication and teamwork will be essential as you gain real-world experience.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Rail Engineering with at least two years completed.
• Recent graduates may apply if pursuing a Master's degree.
• Interest in pursuing an advanced degree after the internship.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing Rail project alignments, ROW determination, and utility coordination using OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and MS Office.
• Support preliminary to final design calculations and plan development; review field data and observe facilities as needed.
• Apply standard engineering techniques under supervision of a PM or senior engineer.
• Perform duties including general office administration and document handling.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, learn quickly, and work effectively in a team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written and verbal comms

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Rail Engineering, or related discipline

At least two years of study completed

Tools

AutoCAD

Bentley CAD

MS Office

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Chicago, IL - 130 East Randolph
• Compensation: USD 23.35 - USD 32.11 - hourly

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOMis seeking a Rail Engineering Intern to work in our Chicago, Illinois office.

This position is expected to begin in Summer 2027.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the development of Rail Project alignments, right-of-way determination, and utility coordination utilizing OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, a variety of Civil Engineering design software applications, and MS Office applications.
• Assisting with preliminary to final design calculations and plan development, reviewing field information, possible field inspection of existing facilities, and other work consistent with the duties of an entry-level engineer.
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of a professional or Project Manager.
• General office administration, including report reproduction, collation, and deliveries.
• Enthusiastic individuals eager to face new challenges and take on personal responsibilities are best qualified to meet the demands of this work. An intern is expected to be able to apply technical training to perform basic calculations, work well in a team setting, and be willing to work diligently to learn new skills.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Rail Engineering, or a related discipline and must have completed at least two years of study. Candidates who have recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and plan to continue with a Master’s degree are eligible to apply for these positions. Recent graduates must have been enrolled in their bachelor’s degree in the most recent school term with an interest in pursuing an advanced degree in the same or similar discipline after the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Bentley CAD drafting software.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.