Internship Opportunity: Track & Structures Engineering Support Intern

Description
Project Name: Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) and Track & Structures Team Support Internship
Interns Preferred Degree: Third or fourth-year undergraduate engineering student pursuing a degree in civil, structural, geotechnical engineering or materials science.
Project Description:
The project's general objectives include research to improve railway track/bridge lifecycle and performance and better understand the track' s/bridge's loading environment. Projects also include work on rail, bridges, tie and fastener systems, and substructures. These projects are primarily associated with the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST). They are funded by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) as part of the Strategic Research Initiatives program administered by MxV Rail.
Primary Duties:
The intern will support test installation, operation, and data management of the new FAST test loop. It will include laboratory and field testing, including test planning, scheduling and tracking, test setup, collecting and analyzing data, incorporating material characteristics into computer simulations, and reporting on results. The intern will also support in-track testing to verify, validate, and tune simulations of full-scale railway tracks.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

• Familiarity with basic engineering skills, material science, and engineering principles.
• The ability to work on track and in a laboratory environment, taking measurements, pictures, and field notes.
• Basic project management skills to move tasks forward on schedule. Some experience in data analysis (coursework, research projects, or work experience).
• A strong foundation in Microsoft Office software, particularly 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:

• At least two years of undergraduate coursework or an undergraduate degree working towards a master's degree.
• Completed coursework including structural, materials, or railway engineering and/or soil mechanics. Experience using Minitab, Statistica, MultiVu, AutoCAD, Solidworks, and/or MATLAB.

Length of Service:
The projects are ongoing., and the intern's term can be from mid-May through mid-August) or if available, continue as part-time through the fall (end December 2024). This position is allocated for and is expected to consume 100% of the intern's work hours.
Project Deliverable:
Assist project engineers with the following:

• Testing of multiple components at FAST, including tracking tonnage, maintenance, measurements, and component replacements.
• Bridge and deck measurements and documentation of maintenance at FAST
• On-track measurements and data analysis for track strength and component testing at FAST and in revenue service
• Field and laboratory testing, including installation, testing, and analysis/interpretation of test data.
• Drafting portions of the test reports and presentations.
• Provide regular updates on test status and resource needs.

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