PATHWAYS STUDENT INTERN (Civil Engineer)

$45,146 - $88,926/Yr

United States Department of Transportation - McLean, VA

Part-time,Full-time - Intern

McLean, VA

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Pathways Student Intern (Civil Engineer) position is a developmental role within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Department of Transportation (DOT). This internship is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in highway infrastructure research and technology transfer, while also allowing them to interact with various stakeholders, including other FHWA offices and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Interns will work closely with professional researchers in the FHWA Office of Infrastructure Research & Development, contributing to the agency's strategic goals of safety, infrastructure, and innovation. Interns will be involved in a variety of research projects, each focusing on different aspects of civil engineering. Responsibilities may include assisting with laboratory research related to the Structural Concrete Research Program, developing and executing experimental and analytical bridge engineering research, enhancing roadway pavement safety, assessing sustainable highway construction practices, and integrating construction and maintenance data into State DOT asset management programs. This position is ideal for students who are dedicated to public service and have a keen interest in engineering and federal policy. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while still pursuing academic studies. Interns are expected to maintain good academic standing and may work part-time during the academic year and full-time during the summer. The position is part of the Pathways Internship Program, which allows for potential conversion to a permanent position upon graduation, contingent on meeting specific criteria.

Responsibilities

• Assist professional researchers in a laboratory environment conducting research projects associated with the FHWA Office of Infrastructure Research & Development's Structural Concrete Research Program.
• Develop and execute experimental and/or analytical bridge engineering research to deliver innovative solutions to infrastructure owners.
• Conduct research to increase the safety aspect of roadway pavements and deliver deployable solutions to infrastructure stakeholders.
• Assess sustainable highway construction activities and materials, delivering deployable solutions to infrastructure stakeholders.
• Develop and conduct research to advance the integration of construction, utility, and maintenance activity data into State DOT asset management programs.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and meet the requirements of the Pathways program.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational institution on a half to full-time basis.
• Must maintain good academic standing, with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
• Must provide verification of academic status (transcript) at the end of each academic term.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience preparing technical reports or papers.
• Experience in a materials or structural testing laboratory.
• Experience analyzing experimental test data.
• Basic working knowledge of a commercially available computer-aided drafting (CAD) software package.
• Some experience in bridge or roadway design.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.