New Grad Engineer I: Rail Operations Modeling and Planning - Summer 2026

New Grad Engineer - Rail Operations Modeling And Planning

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 in the production and modification of design calculations, technical reports, engineering plans and specifications for assigned projects. This position performs research, development, calculations, design and delivery in partnership with the project team. Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and complexity. Leverages technical knowledge to assist in the execution and evaluation of project designs. Develops conceptual and detailed designs and calculations to support the project execution using current drawing and technical tools, programs and software. As a member of the team, you will contribute to the successful project delivery for a diverse range of projects for HNTB's clients.

Our Chicago, Illinois office is seeking New Grad Engineers within our Rail Operations Modeling and Planning group for Summer 2026. The ideal candidate for this position is someone deeply interested in rail transit and wants to explore software and data tools to help plan, expand and enhance rail transportation with an incredible team of experts. This opportunity will allow the candidate to learn and contribute to some of the most large-scale rail and transit planning and design projects underway in the United States. The rail and transit operations analyses performed by the candidate will help inform national and metro rail networks operating and capital decision making. This position is part of HNTB's highly specialized ROMP (Rail Operations Modeling and Planning) team which provides a full range of operations planning and analysis services for light rail transit, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail and freight railroads. ROMP team is one of the strongest teams of rail professionals in the country that understands the complexity of analyzing rail operations. ROMP's specialized personnel have extensive experience in analyzing rail and transit operations and simulating freight, passenger and transit operations. Primary focus will include passenger, freight, and light rail transit operations. You will assist with the development of planning and construction studies from an operations and data-based perspective.

What You'll Do:

• Completes assigned work within the schedule and number of hours provided.
• Supports the preparation and modification of project reports, plans, designs, and calculations.
• Assists in the preparation of project quantity and cost estimates.
• Assists engineering teams with organization and administrative support of design files.
• Supports engineering teams with various tasks and duties including but not limited to research, data collection, field investigations, development, and design of projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring:

• Exhibits an understanding of engineering principles relevant to the discipline.
• Attains knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCad or other software.
• Relevant coursework experience with railway engineering
• Ability to learn and apply software models, including RTC and OpenTrack

What We Prefer:

• Master's degree in Engineering
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
• Knowledgeable in MicroStation and/or AutoCAD
• Knowledgeable in programming languages and work with large data sets
• Experience with transportation agencies including rail and transit

The approximate pay range for Illinois is $71,265.82 - $106,898.74. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.