Job Description
Position Description Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people, we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone together! Position Overview: SDOT’s Transportation Engineering interns support the Seattle Transportation Levy’s Transit Spot Improvement Program, which funds targeted capital investments to improve the reliability, safety, and accessibility of transit on Seattle’s streets. Working within the Streetcar and Transit Corridors team, interns will contribute directly to the development and design of transit capital projects—from initial research and problem identification through conceptual and 30% design. In this role, you will assess existing transportation conditions such as bus delays and bus zone deficiencies, develop design plans using CAD tools, collect field data, and conduct public outreach to inform communities about proposed improvements. You will work under alongside engineers and planners who will provide mentorship and direct support throughout the internship. The ideal candidate is enrolled in an engineering program, has experience or strong interest in transportation engineering and CAD, and is eager to apply technical skills to real-world transit infrastructure challenges. Educational Benefits: Learn how to assess transportation problems, identify engineering solutions, and develop capital projects that improve Seattle’s transit system from the ground up. Gain practical experience conducting field work and collecting traffic and transit data in a professional engineering environment. Develop conceptual and 30% design plan skills using AutoCAD on live transit capital improvement projects funded by the Seattle Transportation Levy. Build professional skills—including public outreach, cross-team collaboration, and technical communication—that are directly transferable to engineering careers in the public or private sector. Professional and Educational Benefits: Engage in meaningful and educational opportunities that align seamlessly with your academic program, enhancing both your knowledge and skills. Contribute to your community while building a rewarding and impactful career by working with SDOT. Develop valuable networking connections with experienced professional staff, fostering relationships that can support your future career growth. Take advantage of City-sponsored training sessions and professional development modules to expand your expertise and competencies. Experience a diverse range of responsibilities and projects that contribute to making Seattle an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive. Competitive Pay and Benefits: Paid sick leave after 90 days of employment. Enjoy commuting benefits including ORCA transit passes, bike programs and benefits, guaranteed ride home program, carpool matching, and more. Participate in the City’s Flash Mentorship program, offering quick and impactful guidance from experienced professionals to support your growth. Job Responsibilities Conduct research and field data collection to assess existing transportation conditions including bus delay, bus zone deficiencies, and transit safety issues. (30%) Develop conceptual and 30% design plans for transit capital improvements using AutoCAD and related tools. (35%) Conduct public outreach activities to inform community members and stakeholders about potential projects and improvements. (20%) Compile and organize data findings into reports and presentations for internal project teams and supervisors. (10%) Attend project meetings and contribute to coordination with SDOT engineering and planning staff. (5%) Please note that these tasks are estimates and may change depending on the interests and skills of the applicant. Tasks will also evolve as new priorities emerge. Qualifications Education: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited 2