Stagiaire R&D Maintenance & Climat / R&D Maintenance & Climate Intern

Keolis Canada•Montreal, QC

11d

About The Position

Canada Rail is seeking a motivated university intern (6 to 12 months) with strong analytical and scientific skills to support them in studying two critical railway infrastructure challenges: flying ballast and catenary icing. This role involves conducting in-depth literature reviews, analyzing physical drivers, benchmarking international best practices and technologies, identifying and classifying solutions, evaluating their effectiveness, cost, and applicability, and developing evidence-based recommendations and technical notes for engineering teams. The intern will collaborate closely with Canada Rail staff and the Cadence innovation team, and actively engage with the innovation and digital communities at Keolis and SNCF. Responsibilities also include participating in technical meetings, presenting findings, and contributing to a structured knowledge base.

Requirements

University student in engineering (mechanical, civil, aerospace, physics, or related fields)
Knowledge of scientific research methods
Basic understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, or materials science
Scientific rigor and analytical mindset
Strong synthesis and summarization skills
Autonomy and curiosity
Collaboration and communication skills

Responsibilities

Conduct an in-depth literature review on flying ballast phenomena (aerodynamics, train–track interaction, extreme weather conditions).
Study icing, frost accumulation, and freezing rain mechanisms affecting overhead catenary systems.
Analyze physical drivers: airflow pressure waves, ballast properties, snow/ice adhesion, thermal exchanges, pantograph–catenary interactions.
Review international best practices, standards, and mitigation technologies.
Identify and classify proven or emerging solutions (protections, aerodynamic design, materials, heating/anti-icing systems, and monitoring technologies).
Assess the effectiveness, maturity (TRL), cost, and applicability of each potential solution.
Product a clear comparison aligned with Canada Rail’s operational and climatic environment.
Develop evidence-based recommendations and technical notes for engineering teams.
Collaborate closely with all Canada Rail staff and with Cadence innovation team.
Engage actively with the innovation and digital communities at Keolis and SNCF, leveraging their methodologies and expertise to accelerate innovation.
Participate in technical meetings to present findings and integrate feedback.
Contribute to building a structured knowledge base to support current and future projects.