Consulting Intern (Rail and Transportation)

DB E.C.O.•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

DB E.C.O. North America provides rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads in the United States and Canada. As part of DB E.C.O. Group, it draws on Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation, with a focus on sustainability, safety, operational excellence, improved customer experience, and increased rail usage. The Consulting Intern will work in one of two portfolios: Conceptual Rail Service, Operations, and Infrastructure Planning, or Governance and Integration Consulting. The intern will contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of experienced consultants or a manager and will receive training in the organization’s methods and tools. Applicants should identify their preferred portfolio in their cover letter. The internship is based in Chicago, Illinois, runs from June 2027 through August 2027, and is in person, five days per week in the office, for 40 hours per week. Minimal overnight travel by land and air may be required.

Requirements

Working toward a degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or Transportation Planning (MS or equivalent).
Strong ability to think analytically and stay focused on developing solutions to complex technical matters.
Demonstrable project or research experience.
Organized, flexible, and able to work independently.
Proficiency with the MS Office suite, including 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, helpful 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

Medical insurance with multiple plan options, from low to high deductible.
Dental and vision coverage.
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Life and AD&D insurance, and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Company-paid Employee Assistance Program for employees and household members.
Commuter benefits for eligible transit and parking expenses.
Paid parental leave.
Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverage with wellness benefits.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company safe harbor contributions.
Competitive vacation time and 11 paid company holidays.
For eligible Canadian employees and dependents: company-paid basic life, AD&D, dependent life, long-term disability, extended health and dental coverage, and Employee Assistance Program.
For eligible Canadian employees: company RRSP contribution equal to 5% of basic salary.
For eligible Canadian employees: competitive vacation time and 11 paid company holidays.