Internship Opportunity: Instrumentation & Data Collection Support Intern

Description
Project Name: Instrumentation & Data Collection
Preferred Education: A minimum of a completed high school degree. Optional completion of a two-year college program or pursuing a four-year degree. Preferred studies include General Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, Math, Physics, and Civil Engineering studies.
Project Description:
The project's general objectives include supporting research by way of Data Collection to improve railway safety, performance, and efficiency. Projects supported may include but are not limited to tie/rail/wheel lifecycle studies, vehicle dynamics, wayside safety systems, emerging technologies, laboratory testing, and sensor calibration efforts. The Association of American Railroads may fund these projects as part of MxV Rail's Strategic Research Initiatives program through the Federal Railway Administration (FRA), MxV Rail's internal research and development, and/or commercial customers.
Primary Duties:
The primary duties of an intern will be to support laboratory and/or field testing, including Data Collection system/sensor/equipment preparation, troubleshooting, test setup, collecting, analyzing, & Data submittal. The intern may also support field surveying, static measurements, cable building, and other tasks in support of the instrumentation group.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimal experience with programming and data processing tools.
• Familiarity with testing methods, Data Collection, and analysis techniques.
• Experience with troubleshooting and critical thinking.
• Demonstrable computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office software.
• A strong foundation using Microsoft Excel (data organization and analysis, functions, charts/plots, and basic programming).
• The willingness to learn about the railroad industry and engineering is associated with improving the safety, performance, and efficiency of railroad systems and components.
• MxV Rail policy requires all prospective employees to complete a criminal background check (Disclosure for Consumer Reports Consent Form) and a pre-employment substance abuse screening (Applicant Consent for Drug Testing Form) as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of transducers, sensor voltage/feedback, controls, measurement techniques, basic surveying, strain gauges, accelerometers, and computer programming languages.
• Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.
• Experience with programming and data processing tools.
• Completed coursework including math, science, physics, electronics, & railway engineering.
• Programming experience with LabVIEW & advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Data Collection, analyzing, and critical thinking processes for clarifying outputs collected are preferred for the test.

Length of Service:
The intern's term will be for the summer only (2024), approximately ten weeks, preferably from May to the end of July. This position is allocated for and is expected to consume 100% of the intern's work hours.
Project Deliverables:
Assist the instrumentation team with the following:

• Field and lab tasks relating to different SRI Data Collection. Conducting field and laboratory testing.
  • Train and build proficiencies in field Data Collection methodologies and procedures.
  • Train and build proficiencies in lab-based Data Collection methodologies and procedures.
• Train & build proficiencies in calibration lab practices and procedures:
  • Build proficiencies in sensor troubleshooting and calibration.
  • Build proficiency in best practices: Evaluate and improve current processes relating to sensor calibration.
  • Database data entry and organization.
• Assisting with installation & maintenance of Data Collection systems.
• Analysis/observation/interpretation of collected data.
• A final presentation of experience, knowledge, and leadership gained throughout the internship is required.

Working Environment and Level of Physical Activity:
The conditions herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Environment:Office and field environments. Must be able to walk in an industrial and/or railroad environment, including uneven surfaces such as ballast.
• Vision:See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
• Hearing:Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Benefits Overview:

• Railroad Retirement
• 401(k) Program with Company Match
• Fortnight Schedule
• Paid Holidays
• Family Atmosphere with a Great Work/Life Balance
• Opportunity for Growth and Development