Paid Engineering Internship for Summer 2026
The DRPA/PATCO is seeking to hire college students for the 2026 summer season. Applicants for this internship must be enrolled in an engineering degree program. While former summer interns are welcome to apply, past employment as a summer intern does not guarantee that you will be selected for an internship during summer 2026. Students who wish to apply for a summer internship must meet the following criteria:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment evaluation which includes drug (including marijuana) and alcohol.
- Successful completion of a criminal background investigation conducted by a third-party vendor.
- Submit an official school transcript with the raised seal documenting that you completed at least one year of undergraduate studies (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 - 24 credits).
- Submit official school documentation confirming that you are enrolled in the upcoming Fall 2026 semester on a full-time basis (12 credits).
- Must be able to commit to working full-time (40 hours per week, which includes a paid lunch hour) for 12 weeks.
Desired Skills & Professional Expectations:
This internship is designed to provide college students with meaningful, hands-on exposure to a professional work environment. While extensive prior experience is not required, we’re looking for students who:
- Have basic exposure to reading and analyzing information (coursework, projects, case studies, or research assignments)
- Ability to write clearly and thoughtfully, with guidance and feedback
- Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and on time
- Willingness to apply academic knowledge and skills to real-world assignments
- Openness to learning new concepts, tools, and processes throughout the internship
- Confidence to ask questions, seek clarification, and request feedback when needed
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work
- Problem-solving mindset when approaching assignments
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Professional conduct, including reliability, respectful communication, and accountability
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist DRPA Engineers in the performance of their duties including, but not limited to: field inspection/survey, engineering design of civil/electrical/structural components of DRPA facilities, preparation of plans and specifications, plan review and interpretation, assist with capital planning and budgeting, and development of presentation materials.
- Typical assignments include observing on-site construction and inspection work in progress, attending project meetings, reviewing and commenting on project submittals, and preparing public presentation materials. There is one capstone project for interns to develop and present on optimizing a topic of their choice, related to either an ongoing project or procedure.