Consulting Intern (Rail and Transportation)

DB E.C.O. North America (with “E.C.O.” representing “Engineering, Consulting and Operations") offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. DB E.C.O. North America is part of the DB E.C.O. Group and leverages Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. Their cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate their portfolios and elevate business performance. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence, they strive to enhance the customer experience, increase rail usage, and “Transform The Future Of Mobility.” Department: Consulting Reports to: Manager Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Duration: June 2027 to August 2027 Schedule: 40 hours per week (in-person) Application Deadline: Submit your resume and a short cover letter to the job posting by 5pm PT on November 13th, 2026. Tasks & Responsibilities: You will work in one of the following portfolios of DB E.C.O. North America. Tell us your preferred portfolio in your cover letter. Conceptual Rail Service, Operations, and Infrastructure Planning: DB E.C.O. performs conceptual planning for public agencies, operators, and Class I railroads to design public transportation service plans, operation plans, and to identify effective infrastructure investments. We work across the full range of planning horizons from short-term projects for immediate implementation to long-term visioning projects. DB E.C.O. uses state-of-the-art methods and tools. You will contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of an experienced consultant and receive training in our methods and tools. Typical tasks: Build and check timetable, ridership, and capacity datasets in Excel or Python Support rail operations simulation and service plan development Prepare GIS maps and other graphics for reports and client materials Research peer systems and summarize findings for client deliverables Governance and Integration Consulting: DB E.C.O. consults public agencies to improve integration of the customer interface for public transportation systems and to facilitate cross-agency coordination. We draw on our expertise as the major operator of Germany’s integrated public transportation system to identify and adapt solutions for use in the U.S. You will contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of a manager and receive training in our methods and tools. Typical tasks: Research German and European practices in fare integration, customer information, and agency coordination Adapt those practices to U.S. agency and regulatory settings Draft memos, slides, and graphics for client meetings Requirements: Working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or Transportation Planning (MS or equivalent) Strong ability to think analytically and stay focused on developing solutions to complex technical matters Demonstrable project or research experience Organized, flexible, and able to work independently Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Professional fluency in English Preferred: Research or work experience in strategic rail planning, operations planning, or route management Python, R, or GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) Exposure to rail simulation or scheduling software German language skills (helpful for the Governance and Integration portfolio) Working Conditions and Travel: 5 days per week in the office. Minimal overnight travel by land and air. Physical Requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation: Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings Compensation: $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Quick overview of our U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits: Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans Dental & Vision Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability: Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking). Parental Paid Leave Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits. Retirement Savings (401k) with company safe harbor contributions Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays DB E.C.O North America, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements. DB E.C.O North America, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. For California applicants: We follow the California Fair Chance Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. As is the case for applicants in any jurisdiction, you do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After providing a conditional offer and conducting a background check, we will consider hiring any qualified individual with arrest or conviction records in accordance with all relevant laws, and specifically will assess whether any conviction history directly relates to the job duties. We will take into consideration the individual’s explanation and potential mitigating factors as defined by the law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. --- Quick overview of our Canada Health & Wellness Benefits: We offer a comprehensive, company‑paid benefits program for employees and their eligible dependents. This includes Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Dependent Life Insurance, Long‑Term Disability, extended Health and Dental coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In addition, the Company supports your long‑term financial well‑being by subsidizing a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) of your choice with a contribution equal to 5% of your basic salary. We also provide competitive vacation time along with 11 paid company holidays, so you have the time you need to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.