2027 Summer Intern - Civil Engineering, Transportation (Rail)

TKDA • Riverside, CA

9d • $21 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

TKDA is seeking an undergraduate civil engineering student with an interest in transportation, particularly railroads and mass transit, for a summer internship in Riverside, California. As part of the Rail team, the intern will work alongside civil engineers and technicians on active site planning, roadway, utility, parking lot, grading and drainage, storm water management, and track design projects. The internship is intended to provide exposure to multiple stages of the project life cycle, from conception through construction, and to the work of an engineering consultant.

The intern will contribute to preliminary and final designs using AutoCAD and Civil 3D and perform calculations related to project dimensions and elevations, earthwork, utilities, and track quantities. The position also includes assisting with preliminary site assessments and surveys and supporting construction administration by sharing information and feedback about project construction status and potential construction- or design-related challenges.

The ideal candidate can work 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime, from mid-May through mid-August 2027. Work is primarily from TKDA’s Riverside office or an assigned project site, with possible flexible or hybrid arrangements in some instances. Candidates must be at least 21 years old as of May 28, 2027, because the responsibilities may require operating a motorized vehicle on TKDA business. Selected candidates must complete a standard pre-employment background screening after accepting a conditional offer.

Requirements

• Be an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a transportation emphasis.
• Have strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Have previous experience or training with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to ask questions and engage in discussions with team members.
• Be able to accurately read and interpret construction documents in accordance with construction activities and requirements.
• Be able to work outdoors on active construction sites, carry up to 40 pounds, and stand for extended periods for observation and inspection responsibilities.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, and be able to travel as needed for construction administration and site inspections or visits.
• Be at least 21 years old as of May 28, 2027.
• Be available to work 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime, from mid-May through mid-August 2027.

Nice To Haves

• General understanding of drafting techniques and construction plan development practices.
• Previous experience or coursework related to site design and/or linear design.
• Previous experience with construction administration tasks, including staking, surveying, inspections, or observations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to preliminary and final design development using AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Perform calculations for project dimensions and elevations, earthwork, utilities, and track quantities.
• Assist with preliminary site assessments and surveys.
• Support construction administration by providing information and feedback about construction status and potential construction- or design-related challenges.
• Work alongside civil engineers and technicians on site planning, roadway, utility, parking lot, grading and drainage, storm water management, and track design projects.
• Assist with technical report and specification preparation.
• Read and interpret construction documents in relation to construction activities and requirements.
• Travel as needed for construction administration and site inspections or visits.

Benefits

• Structured summer internship program with formal software trainings, networking opportunities, mentorship relationships, social events, and learning seminars.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern