Intern II, Student Support

Job Purpose

Progress Rail's Signaling division is looking for an Electrical Engineering Intern to join our team in Independence, MO for the summer of 2026. You'll contribute to the design, analysis, and testing of circuit boards and electronic assemblies used in railway signaling systems. From schematic review to bench testing prototype boards, this internship offers hands-on exposure to the full hardware development lifecycle in a safety-critical environment.

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.

Education / Training

Currently pursuing a BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering (rising Junior or Senior preferred)

Key Job Elements

• Assist with schematic review, circuit analysis, and PCB layout tasks;
• Support board bring-up and debug of prototype electronic assemblies;
• Perform bench testing and characterization of circuits (power supplies, signal conditioning, I/O interfaces);
• Take measurements using oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, and other lab equipment;
• Help evaluate component alternatives for obsolescence management and cost reduction;
• Document design decisions, test results, and engineering change requests;
• Support environmental qualification activities (thermal, vibration, EMC);
• Collaborate with firmware and test engineers on hardware/software integration.

Qualifications and Experience

• Coursework in circuit analysis, electronics, and digital logic;
• Basic understanding of analog and digital circuit design principles;
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and datasheets;
• Comfortable using basic lab equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PCB design tools (Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle);
• Hands-on experience with soldering (through-hole and/or SMD rework);
• Coursework or project experience in power electronics or power supply design;
• Familiarity with SPICE simulation tools (LTspice, PSpice, or similar);
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis;
• Exposure to embedded systems or microcontroller-based projects;
• Interest in industrial, railway, or safety-critical electronics.

Technical Skills

• Design- Schematic capture, circuit analysis, basic PCB layout ;
• EDA Tools- Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle (any exposure helpful) ;
• Simulation- LTspice, MATLAB (helpful) ;
• Lab Equipment- Oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, function generators, soldering stations ;
• Domains- Power supply design, analog/digital circuits, signal conditioning, I/O interfaces ;
• Standards Exposure- IPC, UL, EMC basics (will learn on the job).

EEO

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
• Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.

Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

Job Category

Administrative / Support / Communications