Summer 2026 - Electric Traction Substation Design Intern - 90403600 - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, US, 19104
Your success is a train ride away!
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.
Are you ready to join our team?
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 program will run from May 18th - August 7, 2026.
This position is a key member of the Electric Traction Department and will focus on the design and maintenance of substation assets. The position provides engineering support for substation-related aspects of capital projects of all sizes during design and construction phases. Additionally, the intern will assist the team in providing operational engineering support to the Division for maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and upgrades of existing substation assets. The incumbent will be afforded exposure and the ability to develop technical skill in the following areas: AC Traction Power Substation design, High and Medium Voltage Circuit breakers, switchgear, transformers, relay protection, control circuitry, DC battery systems, grounding and bonding, instrumentation, RTU. The intern will participate in the project design review process, respond to RFI’s (Request for Information) and accompany the team on site visits in support of project activities.
Essential Functions
- Showcase your excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Utilize MS Office, including Word and Excel, to enhance project outcomes.
- Employ AutoCAD or similar 2D drafting programs for dynamic designs.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Conduct data analysis to support innovation and efficiency.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be actively pursuing a degree at an accredited educational institution.
- Must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, or similar field.
- Must have at least 2 years of academic undergraduate studies completed or a junior status at minimum.
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Preferred Qualifications
- Actively pursuing a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, or similar.
- Demonstrated experience with railroad electric traction systems, frequency converters, protection relays, high voltage circuit breakers and transformers.
- Ability to perform or direct troubleshooting of substation electrical equipment and associated protection and control systems.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
PAY TRANSPARENCY:
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:165730
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
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.