Job Description

Summer Intern: Engineering Track, Structure, and Services Team

At BNSF Railway, we invite you to be part of a team that champions safety, inclusion, and excellence. As one of the largest U.S. railroads, we proudly transport the nation’s vital freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. Joining our team means playing a crucial role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are deeply committed to fostering a culture where all employees are included, truly belong, and have an equal opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. Come make a significant difference with us!

About the Summer Internship Program

Embark on an extraordinary journey as a Summer Intern on our dynamic Engineering Track, Structure, and Services Team. This immersive program is meticulously designed for ambitious students eager to tackle real-world engineering challenges. You will collaborate closely with seasoned professionals on essential projects, directly contributing to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of BNSF Railway’s expansive infrastructure.

This experience offers invaluable insight into the intricate operations of one of North America’s leading railroad companies, providing a unique opportunity to significantly enhance your technical skills. Our ultimate goal for the Summer Internship Program is to identify and recruit exceptional talent into our distinguished Management Trainee Program, offering a direct and accelerated pathway to join BNSF Railway after your graduation.

Key Program Details:

• Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026
• Number of Positions Available: 17
• Monthly Salary: $5,000
• Work Schedule: This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) within a 24×7 operations environment. Interns should be prepared for potential on-call duties, overtime, night shifts, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work Locations: While flexibility is key, potential assignments may be in Alliance, NE; Amarillo, TX; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; Fort Madison, IA; Great Falls, MT; Haslet, TX; Houston, TX; Lincoln, NE; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; San Bernardino, CA; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MO; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, WA; Wichita, KS.
• Travel & Relocation: Significant travel and relocation are required for the summer duration. Candidates must be flexible with their location, as assignments may shift based on business needs. Reliable transportation to and from your assigned work location is essential. Expect travel up to 75% of the time.
• Training: Your journey will begin with a comprehensive two-day orientation in Fort Worth, Texas, providing a foundational company overview and invaluable networking opportunities with BNSF Railway leaders. This will be followed by practical field training and support on ongoing projects at your assigned location.

Your Impact: Key Responsibilities

This unique internship offers the opportunity to join our team in either the Track Department or the Structures Department, contributing to the essential infrastructure that underpins BNSF Railway’s critical operations.

In the Track Department, you will:

• Inspect, Maintain, and Innovate: Actively participate in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and construction of our vital track infrastructure, including rails, ties, and ballast, ensuring adherence to BNSF Railway’s rigorous safety and quality standards.
• Project Management Support: Assist in planning and scheduling required maintenance and repairs, and meticulously verify the quality of completed work.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Contribute to projects focused on expanding and updating BNSF Railway’s track infrastructure, overseeing initiatives that interact with company property. Project types are diverse, spanning expansion, routine maintenance, new construction, and innovation-driven initiatives.
• Safety Leadership: Understand and contribute to the safety protocols for your teams and the operational environment.
• Financial & Stakeholder Engagement: Gain exposure to managing project finances and schedules, and learn effective communication strategies with project stakeholders.
• Career Shadowing: Seize the invaluable opportunity to shadow experienced professionals such as a Supervisor Engineering Support, Assistant Roadmaster, Roadmaster, and Division Engineer, gaining authentic “boots on the ground” experience.

In the Structures Department, you will:

• Structural Oversight: Support the administration, supervision, and coordination of all maintenance, construction, inspection, and operation of bridges and various structures, encompassing both operating and capital functions.
• Maintenance Planning: Assist in planning and scheduling required maintenance and repairs, and verify the quality of all completed structural work.
• Inter-departmental Coordination: Collaborate with other departments to ensure safe and efficient structural maintenance operations across the railway system.
• Diverse Projects: Engage in a variety of project types, including the expansion of BNSF Railway terminals & hubs, central lines, and facilities, as well as the repair and replacement of existing structures, and oversight of public projects and utility crossings.
• Safety Advocacy: Contribute to ensuring the safety of your teams and maintaining a secure working environment.
• Financial & Stakeholder Management: Learn to manage the finances and schedules of your projects, and develop strong communication skills with project stakeholders.
• Professional Shadowing: Benefit from the opportunity to shadow key positions within our structures team, such as Supervisor Structures and Manager of Structures, and even track roles, providing crucial practical field experience.

Working Environment:

Your daily work will be conducted in a safety-sensitive environment, which can involve both indoor and outdoor settings. Be prepared for diverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), navigating and performing work on uneven surfaces, and working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

Who We Are Looking For: Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• You must be legally authorized to work in the United States and be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire.
• You do not require BNSF Railway’s assistance, now or in the future (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise), to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• You are capable of working in a 24/7 operations environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. The role requires physical agility, including climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel up to 75% of the time based on business needs.
• You are able and willing to relocate anywhere within the BNSF Railway operating system (across the western 28 states) for the summer internship, and travel to other locations as required.
• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in Engineering (such as Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, etc.), Construction Management, Business, or a similar degree program from an accredited university.
• You have and will maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• You have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience or military service, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing your undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
• You have access to reliable transportation for the duration of the internship to and from your assigned BNSF Railway location.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of relevant work experience in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Construction, Logistics, or a related field.
• Have held or currently hold a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

Comprehensive Benefits & Your Future at BNSF Railway

At BNSF Railway, we believe in supporting our employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed for your well-being and future success:

• Retirement Security: Access to an industry-leading 401(k) and the renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• Robust Health & Wellness: A wide range of health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), covering medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health support, specialized cancer care, and access to high-quality care networks.
• Financial Protection: Health care spending accounts (HSA) with generous employer contributions, alongside company-provided life and disability insurance at no additional cost.
• Family Support: Comprehensive family benefits, including parental, pediatric, and family-building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and a dependent care spending account with an employer match.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy access to valuable discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services, and robust wellness support programs.
• Performance Incentives: Opportunity for an annual bonus through our Incentive Compensation Program.
• Generous Time Off: Benefit from our generous leave and time off policies, supporting your work-life balance.

BNSF Railway is dedicated to encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their unique skills, experiences, and potential for development. We provide the resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a truly supportive and inclusive environment.

Application & Important Information

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position. Please ensure you check your e-mail daily to stay informed.

All positions require a pre-employment background verification, a medical review, and a pre-employment drug screen. For roles requiring unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, BNSF Railway employees are federally required to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Posting Start Date: August 29, 2025