SDOT Transportation Engineering Intern

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-year or 4-year engineering educational program.

Preferred Areas of Study:

Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited 2-year, 4-year, or graduate engineering program.
• Undergraduate engineering students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Graduate engineering students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to conduct field work in an outdoor urban environment.
• Experience working with AutoCAD or comparable CAD software.
• Experience collecting traffic or transportation data in an academic or professional setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with community outreach or working in diverse community environments.
• Interest in transit infrastructure, transportation engineering, or public sector capital project delivery.
  
  

Additional Information

Internship dates:

Start/End Dates: June 2026 to June 2027.

Schedule:

Intern will work up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, up to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday. May work weekends, may work evenings.

Salary:

Engineering Sophomore students will be paid $27.36 - $27.36 per hour.

Engineering Junior students will be paid $28.51 - $28.51 per hour.

Engineering Senior students will be paid $29.46 - $29.46 per hour.

Engineering Graduate students will be paid $30.79 - $30.79 per hour.

Hiring Process:

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Your application will not be reviewed if any of these items are missing or incomplete.

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Unofficial transcript including current classes and GPA.
  
  

For students transitioning from an undergraduate to graduate program, submit admissions offer to the graduate program to confirm intention of enrollment.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process.

Hybrid Work:

Interns are expected to report to work onsite in Seattle consistent with departmental in-office minimums and as operational needs require for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle. Therefore, interns are expected to have a Washington State address and reside in Washington State at the start and for the duration of their internships with the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply:

This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities is provided on request.