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New Grad Engineer I: Rail Operations Modeling and Planning - Summer 2027

HNTB · Chicago, IL · $79,688–$119,532 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What draws you to rail transit, and what have you done to learn about it?

What they are checking: Whether their interest in rail is real and goes beyond coursework.

Tell me about a project where you analyzed a large amount of data.

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with the data-heavy work operations planning requires.

Tell me about a time you worked with a team to deliver something on a deadline.

What they are checking: Whether they can contribute reliably to project delivery.

What would you do

Your model results look unrealistic. How would you check what went wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they validate inputs and assumptions before trusting outputs.

You are asked to write part of a technical report. How do you make it clear for a client?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate technical findings in writing.

What rail project in the U.S. do you find most interesting right now, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the industry and can think about real projects.

About the work

How would you explain what a rail operations simulation model tells a transit agency?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the purpose of modeling, not just the software.

What factors limit the capacity of a rail line?

What they are checking: Whether they understand headways, signaling, dwell times and track layout.

Have you used simulation software like RailSys, OpenTrack or a similar tool, or any programming language for analysis?

What they are checking: Whether they have technical skills that will help them learn modeling tools quickly.

How would you build a timetable that serves both express and local trains on the same tracks?

What they are checking: Whether they can reason through scheduling conflicts on shared infrastructure.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by HNTB.

What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. This opportunity entails being responsible for assisting in the production and modification of design calculations, technical reports, engineering plans and specifications for assigned projects. This position performs research, development, calculations, design and delivery in partnership with the project team. Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and complexity. Leverages technical knowledge to assist in the execution and evaluation of project designs. Develops conceptual and detailed designs and calculations to support the project execution using current drawing and technical tools, programs and software. As a member of the team, you will contribute to the successful project delivery for a diverse range of projects for HNTB’s clients. Our Chicago, IL and Boston, MA offices are seeking New Grad Engineers within our Rail Operations Modeling and Planning group for Summer 2027. The ideal candidate for this position is someone deeply interested in rail transit and wants to explore software and data tools to help plan, expand and enhance rail transportation with an incredible team of experts. This opportunity will allow the candidate to learn and contribute to some of the most large-scale rail and transit planning and design projects underway in the United States. The rail and transit operations analyses performed by the candidate will help inform national and metro rail networks operating and capital decision making. This position is part of HNTB’s highly specialized ROMP (Rail Operations Modeling and Planning) team which provides a full range of operations planning and analysis services for light rail transit, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail and freight railroads. ROMP team is one of the strongest teams of rail professionals in the country that understands the complexity of analyzing rail operations. ROMP’s specialized personnel have extensive experience in analyzing rail and transit operations and simulating freight, passenger and transit operations. Primary focus will include passenger, freight, and light rail transit operations. You will assist with the development of planning and construction studies from an operations and data-based perspective. What You'll Do: • Completes assigned work within the schedule and number of hours provided. • Supports the preparation and modification of project reports, plans, designs, and calculations. • Assists in the preparation of project quantity and cost estimates. • Assists engineering teams with organization and administrative support of design files. • Supports engineering teams with various tasks and duties including but not limited to research, data collection, field investigations, development, and design of projects. • Performs other duties as assigned What You'll Need: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering What You'll Bring: • Exhibits an understanding of engineering principles relevant to the discipline. • Attains knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCad or other software. • Relevant coursework experience with railway engineering • Ability to learn and apply software models, including RTC and OpenTrack What We Prefer: • Master's degree in Engineering • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification • Knowledgeable in MicroStation and/or AutoCAD • Knowledgeable in programing languages and work with large data sets • Experience with transportation agencies including rail and transit Additional Information Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. #MD #TransitAndRail, #TransportationPlanning . Locations: Boston, MA, Chicago, IL . . . . . . . . . The approximate pay range for Massachusetts is $79,688.15 - $119,532.23. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state. . . . The approximate pay range for Illinois is $73,047.47 - $109,571.20. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state. . . . . . . . . . NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES: HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

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