2027 Summer Intern - Civil Engineering, Transportation (Rail)

TKDA • Riverside, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

TKDA is seeking an undergraduate civil engineering student with an interest in transportation, particularly railroads and mass transit, to join its Rail team in Riverside, California, for the summer of 2027. The intern will work with civil engineers and technicians on projects involving site planning, roadways, utilities, parking lots, grading and drainage, storm water management, and track design. The internship is intended to provide exposure to 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; perform calculations related to project dimensions, elevations, earthwork, utilities, and track quantities; assist with preliminary site assessments and surveys; and support construction administration by communicating project status and potential construction or design challenges. The role is expected to be 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime, from mid-May through mid-August 2027. Work will primarily take place in the Riverside office or at an assigned project site, with possible flexible or hybrid arrangements.

TKDA’s structured internship program includes software training, networking, mentorship, social events, and learning seminars. Candidates must be at least 21 years old as of May 28, 2027, because the role may require operating a motorized vehicle for company business. A standard pre-employment background screening is required after acceptance of 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, including 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.
• Be able to ask questions, engage in discussions with team members, and assist with technical report and specification preparation.
• Be able to accurately read and interpret construction documents in relation to construction activities and requirements.
• Be able to work outdoors on active construction sites, carry up to 40 pounds, and stand for extended periods while performing observation and inspection responsibilities.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Be able to travel as needed for construction administration and site inspections or visits.
• Be at least 21 years of age as of May 28, 2027.
• Be available to work 40 hours per week from mid-May through mid-August 2027, with occasional overtime.

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 designs using AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Perform calculations for project dimensions and elevations, earthwork, utilities, and track quantities.
• Assist with preliminary site assessments and surveys.
• Assist with construction administration by providing information and feedback on project construction status and potential construction- or design-related challenges.
• Work with civil engineers and technicians on active site planning, roadway, utility, parking lot, grading and drainage, storm water management, and track design projects.
• Support construction observation and inspection activities, including travel to project sites as needed.

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