Transportation Design Engineer Internships
Transportation design engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Consulting & Professional Services, with DOWL, VHB, and WSB among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Transportation Design Engineer Internships
General Statement of Duties
The Transportation Design Co-op in the Department of Transportation and Engineering, Division of Engineering, performs many duties that provide design services for the City's road and bike infrastructure. The Transportation Design section also provides design services for the resurfacing of streets, the design of new subdivision streets, the design of new bike trails and other construction projects, and works with larger teams of professionals, both city and private sector architects, engineers, planners and government officials. These duties are performed with the oversight and guidance of the Supervising Engineer. The Co-op is required to handle these job duties in an effective, efficient and professional manner.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
The Transportation Design Co-op is required to perform the following job duties under the direct oversight and guidance of the Supervisory Engineer:
Assist engineers in roadway design calculations as assigned.
Field investigations of pavement and street damage.
Operate and understand PC computer hardware and related software: Microsoft Office programs; use a digital camera; take photos.
Willingness to learn the City of Cincinnati and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) roadway design standards.
Attend project meetings with clients, community members, design team members and other professionals (3CDC, DCI, Neighborhood Community Organizations as well as internal City agencies: Finance, Water Works, City Manager’s Office, etc.).
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials, design team members, community representatives and the general public.
HR Contact: v.robyn.kinebrew@cincinnati-oh.gov
Required Education and Experience
Applicant must be working towards a degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in engineering or a closely related field.
In order to qualify for the Intern/Co-op/Extern Program, a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States
- Individuals under eighteen will require a work permit
- Be enrolled in an accredited institution
- Submit a City job application for employment
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
General Statement of Duties
The Transportation Design Co-op in the Department of Transportation and Engineering, Division of Engineering, performs many duties that provide design services for the City's road and bike infrastructure. The Transportation Design section also provides design services for the resurfacing of streets, the design of new subdivision streets, the design of new bike trails and other construction projects, and works with larger teams of professionals, both city and private sector architects, engineers, planners and government officials. These duties are performed with the oversight and guidance of the Supervising Engineer. The Co-op is required to handle these job duties in an effective, efficient and professional manner.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
The Transportation Design Co-op is required to perform the following job duties under the direct oversight and guidance of the Supervisory Engineer:
Assist engineers in roadway design calculations as assigned.
Field investigations of pavement and street damage.
Operate and understand PC computer hardware and related software: Microsoft Office programs; use a digital camera; take photos.
Willingness to learn the City of Cincinnati and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) roadway design standards.
Attend project meetings with clients, community members, design team members and other professionals (3CDC, DCI, Neighborhood Community Organizations as well as internal City agencies: Finance, Water Works, City Manager’s Office, etc.).
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials, design team members, community representatives and the general public.
HR Contact: v.robyn.kinebrew@cincinnati-oh.gov
Required Education and Experience
Applicant must be working towards a degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in engineering or a closely related field.
In order to qualify for the Intern/Co-op/Extern Program, a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with proof of eligibility to work in the United States
- Individuals under eighteen will require a work permit
- Be enrolled in an accredited institution
- Submit a City job application for employment
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
Transportation Design Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
Tips for Your Transportation Design Engineer Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large transportation and infrastructure employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, closing cohorts months before the start date. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates. Check listings regularly so you catch both cycles and don't miss early-closing structured programs.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for transportation design engineer interns expect limited work history and weigh project evidence instead. Document two or three complete projects with the tools used, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar design software, and link your drawings, models, or reports so reviewers have something concrete to assess.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside that campus activity widens the pool you reach and fills gaps the fair doesn't cover.
Practice the technical screen out loud before applying
Transportation design engineer intern interviews typically include a technical screen covering engineering fundamentals, design problem-solving, or software proficiency. Practice explaining your reasoning out loud while working through problems, interviewers weigh how you think through a design challenge as much as the final answer you reach.
Target structured rotational and university programs early
Larger transportation and infrastructure firms run cohort or university-recruiting programs built to train people new to the field. These programs recruit early and fill fast. Identify the ones that match your discipline and apply in the first wave, since later applicants often find cohorts already closed.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 14% of the transportation design engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to, location, relocation, or remote setup, before you start applying, then filter by work type so you're not sorting through roles you can't take.
Transportation Design Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a transportation design engineer internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For transportation design engineer candidates, a CAD or design portfolio gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a transportation design engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and understanding when return-offer decisions are made so you can ask the right questions early. Position yourself for one without counting on it.
When should I apply for transportation design engineer internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers in transportation and infrastructure recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing cohorts before spring semester begins. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round and checking regularly is worth the habit.
Are transportation design engineer internships paid?
Most professional transportation design engineer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it, filtering for roles that include compensation details is a practical way to compare opportunities.
What should a transportation design engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools and software used, for transportation design engineer candidates, a linked design or CAD portfolio, engineering drawings, or project reports give recruiters something to evaluate beyond bullet points. Add relevant coursework and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote transportation design engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 86% of the transportation design engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get transportation design engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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