Transportation Intern - KY

HDR; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

HDR is seeking Transportation Interns to join us in 2027 across multiple disciplines. You'll work with engineers and project managers on meaningful projects shaping our communities, from highways to rail and aviation. This hands-on experience includes design, planning, and field activities.

Preferred candidates are currently enrolled in civil engineering programs, with a passion for learning, detail, and teamwork. Local candidates in Kentucky are encouraged to apply for internship opportunities.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Attention to detail and strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Interest in active participation in our employee‑owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Assist with highway design including plan production and notes.
• Support traffic planning with data analysis and GIS maps.
• Contribute CAD drawings and cost estimates for structural projects.
• Assist rail plan production and field visits with project teams.
• Support field services with construction observation and documentation.
• Assist aviation planning, grants, and project delivery activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

MS Office (basic)

Active employee-owned culture

Education

Current Civil Engineering student

Tools

CAD software

GIS data analysis

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.

Transportation Interns to join us in 2027!

This internship provides hands‑on experience across multiple transportation disciplines, including highway design, planning, structural engineering, rail, construction, and aviation. You'll work alongside engineers and project managers on impactful projects that help shape our communities.

Depending on your interests and project needs, you may contribute in one or more of the following areas:

Highway Design

• Assist with roadway plan production, design details, and plan notes.
• Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
• Contribute to highway safety improvement projects.
• Participate in project meetings and field visits.

Traffic / Planning

• Support traffic engineering and transportation planning projects through data analysis, forecasting, and evaluation of roadway and multimodal improvements.
• Prepare GIS maps, exhibits, reports, presentations, and public meeting materials.
• Assist with research, corridor studies, safety assessments, grant applications, stakeholder coordination, and project documentation.

Structural (Bridges, Box Culverts, and Retaining Walls)

• Assist with CAD drawings for new and rehabilitated structures.
• Perform quantity calculations and cost estimates.
• Participate in bridge inspections and site visits.

Rail

• Assist with rail plan production, design details, and plan notes.
• Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
• Participate in project meetings and field visits.
• Support construction projects through site observations, contractor coordination, and progress reporting.

Field Services (Construction Engineering & Inspection)

• Assist with construction observation and inspection activities.
• Support project documentation, inspection records, and daily reports.
• Participate in contractor and project team coordination meetings.
• Track quantities, project progress, and payment documentation.
• Gain experience with field visits, materials testing, quality assurance, and construction documentation.
• Support field issue resolution and design coordination during construction.
• Learn transportation construction standards, safety requirements, and best practices.

Aviation

• Assist with airport funding and grant administration activities.
• Support airport planning, design, construction, and project delivery efforts.
• Conduct site observations and monitor construction progress.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Assist with contract administration, project controls, and program governance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Civil Engineering student
• Relevant internship experience supporting engineering and project development
• 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-Kentucky-Lexington Other Locations: United States-Kentucky-Louisville, United States-Kentucky-Paducah, United States-Kentucky-Elizabethtown Industry: Highway + Road Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Temporary BusinessClass: Highways Job Posting: Aug 28, 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.