Intern Engineer: Overhead Contact Systems - Summer 2025

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
This opportunity entails being responsible for assisting assigned department(s) and/or project(s) by performing basic engineering related tasks which may reflect elements of standard post-secondary engineering curriculum.
Overhead Contact Systems provide civil, structural, and mechanical designs which support the distribution of power to operate electrified rail and rapid transit networks. These civil infrastructure solutions provide the ability to distribute power, supporting light rail, commuter rail, vast high speed rail corridors as well as utility T&D and other breakthrough technology for electric transportation infrastructure. Together, we can support our nations efforts toward greener energy usage, reducing the global carbon footprint.
HNTB is a nationwide leader in this field, including all aspects of the engineering process. Including but not limited to: Planning, project management, concept through final design, construction management/oversight, as-built documentation, and asset management.
Designs include catenary systems aerial cable networks, mechanical designs for in-span aerial components, railway pole and portal structures, tunnel support systems, transmission line and tower designs, substation gantry structures, creative structural concepts for station and community aesthetics.
As an Overhead Contact System (OCS) Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the design and maintenance of OCS systems for railway and transit projects. Under the guidance of experienced OCS engineers, you will be involved in various aspects of OCS design, analysis, and documentation. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to explore the field of railway electrification and gain insights into the intricacies of OCS systems.
•Assist in the design and layout of overhead contact systems for railway and transit projects, ensuring compliance with technical standards, operational requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
•Support the analysis of OCS components, including catenary wires, contact wires, insulators, and supporting structures, to ensure their integrity and functionality.
•Contribute to the selection and specification of OCS components, considering project requirements, industry standards, and sustainability principles.
•Aid in the preparation of OCS construction plans, including detailed drawings, specifications, and material lists.
•Assist in the evaluation and integration of OCS systems with other railway infrastructure, such as track systems and signaling equipment.
•Collaborate with OCS engineers and other professionals to ensure the compatibility and coordination of OCS designs with overall project plans.
•Participate in field inspections and surveys to assess the condition of existing OCS systems and contribute to maintenance or upgrade recommendations.
•Support the documentation and reporting of OCS design activities, including technical reports, calculations, and project documentation.
The position is based out of our Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. Relocation and housing are NOT provided for these positions.

What You’ll Do:

• Assists engineer teams in various tasks and duties.
• Assists Engineer with research, development and design of projects.
• Assists Engineer with the preparation of engineering drawings and documents as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent plus current enrollment in an accredited post-secondary engineering program

What You’ll Bring:

• Understanding of engineering, geometric, and algebraic principles at a basic level.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to accept and apply direction from peers and supervisors.
• An understanding of introductory shop drawing and submittal procedures and requirements.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations
• Ability to organize information for use in drawings or other documents
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

What We Prefer:

• Completion of 2 years of post-secondary engineering program
• AutoCAD and/or MicroStation experience
• Strong interest in transportation and infrastructure
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and concepts, particularly in electrical systems and infrastructure.
• Familiarity with overhead contact systems and railway electrification is a plus.

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about EOE including disability and vet

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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Locations:

Chelmsford, MA (Lexington)

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies.  Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB.  HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.