Summer 2026 - Electric Traction Intern - 90402712 - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, US, 19104
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As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.
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Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
Job Summary
Summer 2026 internship program will run from May 18th - August 7, 2026.
The internship is an exciting opportunity to learn about Electric Traction SCADA control systems and provide and entry point to promote careers in railway engineering. This includes the Power Directions and Load Dispatchers systems and how they are critical to sustaining and enhancing the movement of trains along the Northeast Corridor (NEC). Additionally, there will be opportunities to work with and learn about the other various parts of the Electric Traction system including, frequency converters, 25hZ substations, and the relaying to protect both. The intern will work collaboratively with Amtrak staff across the ET, Catenary, and Operations teams and associated projects.
The intern will have an opportunity to learn broadly about how Amtrak operates and maintains a power network in the Northeast Corridor that is used to supply trains and other equipment with electricity that is referred to as traction power. Amtrak’s traction power network is analogous to a utility company in that they have transmission lines, distribution lines (overhead catenary system), generation, and control centers that oversee the power network. The internship will focus on improvements to the Electric Traction SCADA control systems that provides power for Amtrak and its partner railroads along the NEC. This includes enhancements to technology systems in train dispatch and ET SCADA systems. The intern may also undertake the deployment of patches related to the ET SCADA systems that are used by Amtrak’s Power Directors and Load Dispatchers.
Essential Functions
- Work under the supervision of assigned ET Manager(s).
- Help develop testing and commissioning procedures for related patch updates.
- Compile data from users and additional research on issues related to the ET SCADA control system.
- Design and develop a standard reporting form for the ET SCADA control system for the Power Directors and Load Dispatchers to report issues.
- Write clearly and succinctly on technical topics.
- Create documentation of technical processes and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be actively pursuing a degree at an accredited educational institution.
- Must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Must have at least 1 year of academic undergraduate studies completed or a sophomore status at minimum.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with computer programming and/or design.
- Knowledge of Networking: Routers, Switches, Firewalls.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Server, Domain and Workstation Architectures and Administration.
- Linux and/or Windows Programming.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CAD software.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
The hourly range is $18.00 per hour - $35.00 per hour. Pay is based on factors including school year, program of study, etc. In addition, paid internships include Amtrak rail pass privileges as a part of the experience along with one (1) PTO day per academic year.
Requisition ID:165601
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:0 - 5%
Recruiter Name:Antoinette Seals
Recruiter Email: Antoinette.Seals@amtrak.com
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
