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Instrumentation & Data Collection Support Intern

MxV Rail
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Internship Opportunity: Instrumentation & Data Collection Support Intern

 

 

Project Name: Instrumentation & Data Collection

 

Interns Preferred Degree: Minimum of a completed high school degree. Optional completion of a two-year college program or pursuing a 4-year degree. Preferred studies include General Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, Math, Physics, and Civil studies.

 

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.

 

Project Description:

The project’s 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 SRI testing programs, strain gauge applications, calibration of equipment, and/or CAD support. The Association of American Railroads may fund these projects 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: 

The primary duties of an intern will be to support laboratory and/or field testing, including data collection system/sensor/equipment preparation, troubleshooting, test setup, collecting, analyzing, & data submittal. The intern may also support field surveying, static measurements, cable building, and other tasks in support of the instrumentation group. The intern will 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 (VTI) group of the engineering group. 

  • The primary duties of an intern will be to 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.
  • The intern will 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 (VTI) group of the engineering group.
  • Ensures that all duties and responsibilities are performed in a safe manner.
  • Performs 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 with testing or data collection work from a technical field.
  • Minimal experience with programming and data processing tools.
  • Familiarity with testing methods, data collection, and analysis techniques. Familiarity with troubleshooting and critical thinking.
  • Demonstrable computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office software. A strong foundation using Microsoft Excel (data organization and analysis, functions, charts/plots, and basic programming).
  • The willingness to learn about the railroad industry and engineering is associated with improving 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: 

  • Basic knowledge of transducers, sensor voltage/feedback, controls, measurement techniques, basic surveying, strain gage theory, accelerometers, and computer programming languages.
  • Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.
  • Experience with programming and data processing tools.
  • Completed coursework including math, science, physics, electronics, & railway engineering.
  • Programming experience with LabVIEW & advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Experience with data collection, analyzing, and critical thinking processes for clarifying outputs collected are preferred for the test.
  • The willingness to work in the field (outside) for extended periods in both hot and cold environments.

 

Length of Service: 

The minimum term will be for the summer (2025), approximately ten weeks, preferably from May to the end of July. A longer base term of up to six months will be considered based on candidates’ availability. Continuation of employment opportunities will be addressed based on intern performance. This position is allocated for and is expected to consume one hundred percent of the intern’s work hours. The work hours will follow a fortnight work schedule with hours of 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and every other Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

 

Project Deliverables: Assist project engineers with the following -

  • Support of the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) measurements. This includes learning about, participating in, and evaluating the measurement processes and outputs across a wide variety of test scenarios and projects.
  • May include re-design and testing of fixtures for field use.
  • Field and lab tasks relating to different data collection projects.
    • Train and build proficiencies in field and lab-based data collection methodologies and procedures.
    • Investigate test plans, provide sensor selection, apply DAQ systems.
    • Participate in the building or validation of test systems.
  • Train & build proficiencies in calibration lab practices and procedures:
    • Build proficiencies in sensor troubleshooting and calibration.
    • Build proficiency in best practices:
      • Evaluate and improve current processes relating to post calibration verification process.
    • Database data entry and organization.
  • Strain gage application and maintenance. Apply strain gage theory to apply and utilize weldable and quick bond methodology.
  • Assisting with installation & maintenance of data collection systems.
  • Analysis/observation/interpretation of collected data.
  • Required final presentation of experience, knowledge, and leadership gained throughout the internship.

 

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

Apply: Candidates can apply at www.mxvrail.com under the Our Team tab.

 

MxV Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to marital status, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, disability, veteran status, gender, gender identity expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality of sex with race and ethnicity, or any other legally protected status not related to a person’s ability to do a job. MxV Rail is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please email peopleoperations@aar.com.