Job Description

Project Name:

Vehicle Track Interaction & Instrumentation

Interns Preferred Degree:

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of an associate's degree or current enrollment in a bachelor's program is preferred, with studies in fields such as general engineering, electronics, mechatronics, mathematics, physics, or civil engineering.

Project Description:

The projects' general objectives include supporting research by way of data collection to improve railway safety, performance, and efficiency. Projects supported may include, but are not limited to, tie/rail/wheel lifecycle studies, vehicle dynamics, wayside safety systems, emerging technologies, laboratory testing, and sensor calibration efforts. These projects may include support of the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST), general commercial, and Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) testing programs, instrumented wheelset builds, perturbation measurements, and calibration projects. These projects may be funded by the Association of American Railroads as part of MxV Rail's Strategic Research Initiatives program, through the Federal Railway Administration (FRA), MxV Rail's internal research and development, and/or commercial customers.

Primary Duties:

Learn, support, grow & have fun supporting projects with the On-Track Instrumentation Team. Support laboratory and/or field-testing, including data collection system/sensor/equipment preparation, troubleshooting, test setup, collecting, analyzing, & data submittal. May also support field surveying, static measurements, cable building, and other tasks in support of the instrumentation group. Act as a member of the Instrumentation Team by participating in projects, training, team meetings, and other focus areas of instrumentation within the Vehicle & Track Interaction/Instrumentation (VTI&I) Team. Ensures that all duties and responsibilities are performed in a safe manner. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Open to learning and living the MxV Rail values (Momentum, Insight, Teamwork, Rigor, Purpose) in all facets of the organization's work. Experience in testing or data collection in a technical field, including hands-on use of sensors or transducers. Basic proficiency with programming and data processing tools. Familiarity with testing methods, data collection, and analysis techniques. Strong troubleshooting skills and critical thinking abilities. Solid computer skills with demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office Suite. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills: data organization, analysis, functions, charts/plots, and basic programming (e.g., macros, formulas). Eagerness to learn about the railroad industry and related engineering principles focused on enhancing the safety, performance, and efficiency of railroad systems and components. MxV Rail policy requires all prospective employees to complete a criminal background check (Disclosure for Consumer Reports Consent Form) and a pre-employment substance abuse screening (Applicant Consent for Drug Testing Form) as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of transducers, sensor voltage/feedback, controls, measurement techniques, basic surveying, strain gage theory, accelerometers, and computer programming languages. Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Hands-on experience with programming and data processing tools. Completed relevant coursework in math, science, physics, electronics, and railway engineering. Programming proficiency in LabVIEW and advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel. Experience in data collection, analysis, and critical thinking to interpret and clarify test outputs. Willingness to perform field work outdoors for extended periods in both hot and cold environments.

Length of Service:

The internship term is the summer of 2026 (preferably May through September). Alternative start and end dates may be accommodated based on the selected candidate's availability. Continuation or extension beyond the agreed term will be evaluated based on the intern's performance and MxV Rail's current project needs, funding, and strategic priorities at that time. Please note that extensions are not automatic and may not always be possible. The internship is a full-time position requiring 100% of the intern's work hours. The schedule follows a fortnight (9/80) pattern:





Monday-Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM


Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (every other Friday off)

Project Deliverables:

Assist the Instrumentation Team with a variety of tasks that may include:




Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) + Support of the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) measurements. It includes learning about, participating in, and evaluating the measurement processes and outputs across a wide variety of test scenarios and projects.







Instrumented Wheelset Build + Learn and support prepping, instrumenting, & calibrating instrumented wheelsets for industry projects, including wheelset layout, prep, strain gage installation, wiring, & use of systems to calibrate built instrumented wheelsets.




Perturbation Measurements + Learn various levels of static & survey measurement styles. Learn and understand Chapter 11 standards. Learn how to utilize the various Chapter 11 measure processes for different zones around MxV Rail.




Calibration Projects + Learn the basics of calibration and lab metrology within MxV Rail's Calibration Lab. Utilize multiple processes and work instructions to learn the calibration, verification, and database entry for a number of MxV Rail transducers and data collection systems used within the industry.




Internal Instrumentation Projects + Support the on-track instrumentation team in various internal projects. Learn to build, repair, and preparation of signal transmission cables. Support various IR&D projects related to the on-track instrumentation team.




Field and lab tasks relating to different data collection projects. + Train and build proficiency in field and lab-based data collection methodologies and procedures.
+ Investigate test plans, provide sensor selection, and apply DAQ systems.
+ Participate in the building or validation of test systems.

Working Environment and Level of Physical Activity:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Environment

: Office and field environments. Must be able to walk in an industrial and/or railroad environment, including uneven surfaces such as ballast.

Vision

: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Benefits Overview:

Railroad Retirement 401(k) Program with Company Match Fortnight Schedule Paid Holidays

Hourly Rate:

$20

About MxV

Rail:

Located near the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountain Front Range, MxV Rail is the world's premier rail advisory because we have the expertise to keep our industry moving forward. Toward safer equipment and people. More transformative technology. Toward more efficient operations and fewer emissions. We are called MxV Rail because it is the formula for momentum, and that's what we deliver. We advance our industry, our clients, and the best ideas. We help set the standards and solve immediate and long-standing challenges. We put breakthrough technologies to the test, and train first responders how to do things right when things go wrong. In partnership, we safely experiment, learn, adapt, and advance, so our clients can thrive.




Commitment to Non-Discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.