Consulting Intern (Rail and Transportation)

DB E.C.O. North America•Chicago, IL

8d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

DB E.C.O. North America is hiring a Consulting Intern for its Rail and Transportation consulting department. The company provides rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads in the U.S. and Canada, drawing on Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise. The internship is based in Chicago, Illinois, runs from June 2027 to August 2027, and is in person, five days per week, for 40 hours per week. The intern will work in one of two portfolios and should state a preferred portfolio in their cover letter. Work will be performed under the supervision of an experienced consultant or manager, with training in the company’s methods and tools. In Conceptual Rail Service, Operations, and Infrastructure Planning, the intern may help design transit service and operations plans and identify infrastructure investments. Work spans short-term implementation projects and long-term planning. Typical assignments include building and checking timetable, ridership, and capacity datasets; supporting rail operations simulation and service-plan development; preparing GIS maps and graphics for reports and client materials; and researching peer systems for client deliverables. In Governance and Integration Consulting, the intern may support public agencies in improving customer-interface integration and cross-agency coordination. Assignments may include researching German and European practices in fare integration, customer information, and agency coordination; adapting practices to U.S. agency and regulatory settings; and drafting memos, slides, and graphics for client meetings. The role involves five days per week in the office and minimal overnight travel by land and air. Compensation is $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Applicants should submit a resume and short cover letter by 5 p.m. PT on November 13, 2026.

Requirements

Working toward a degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or Transportation Planning (MS or equivalent).
Strong analytical ability and focus on developing solutions to complex technical matters.
Demonstrable project or research experience.
Organized, flexible, and able to work independently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Professional fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

Research or work experience in strategic rail planning, operations planning, or route management.
Experience with Python, R, or GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS).
Exposure to rail simulation or scheduling software.
German language skills, particularly for the Governance and Integration portfolio.

Responsibilities

Build and check timetable, ridership, and capacity datasets in Excel or Python.
Support rail operations simulation and service-plan development.
Prepare GIS maps and other graphics for reports and client materials.
Research peer systems and summarize findings for client deliverables.
Research German and European practices in fare integration, customer information, and agency coordination.
Adapt German and European practices to U.S. agency and regulatory settings.
Draft memos, slides, and graphics for client meetings.

Benefits

Multiple medical insurance options, from low- to high-deductible plans.
Dental and vision coverage.
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Company-paid life and AD&D insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their household members.
Commuter benefits for eligible transit and parking expenses.
Parental paid leave.
Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage with wellness benefits.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company safe harbor contributions.
Competitive vacation time and 11 paid company holidays.