Mechanical (Shop Environment) Summer Intern (Paid) 2026

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation's freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Work Location: Belen, NM; Fort Worth, TX; Havelock, NE; Havre, MT; Kansas City, KS; Northtown, MN; Topeka, KS 

Anticipated Start Date: 06/01/2026 

Number of Positions: 10 

Monthly Salary: $5,000 

As a Summer Intern in the Mechanical department, students have an opportunity to delve into railway mechanics and operations. Interns work closely with experienced professionals, applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges and gaining insights into maintenance, troubleshooting, and innovation. This program is designed to enhance technical skills, promote professional development, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the railway industry. Join us for an unforgettable summer that prepares you for a successful mechanical operations and leadership career. Successful Interns may be hired as full-time Management Trainees upon graduation.   

 Learn more about our Summer Intern Program  

This is a full-time (minimum 40hrs/wk) position in a 24x7 operations environment, subject to on-call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays.  

Travel and Relocation is required for the summer, must be flexible with their location, as they could be moved depending on business needs. Must have reliable transportation to and from work. 

Training will start with a two-day orientation in Fort Worth, Texas, offering a company overview and networking with leaders, followed by support on ongoing projects and practical field training at an assigned location. 

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position.  Please check your e-mail daily.   

Key Responsibilities: 

**This role does not involve design of railcars, locomotives, or other equipment.**

Maintain the locomotives and freight cars that operate on BNSF's network.

Responsible for the safety of their teams.  

Manage project and communication with project stakeholders. 

Opportunity to shadow mechanical supervisors and craft employees; work on projects; and assist in supervising, monitoring, and inspecting the maintenance and repair of locomotives and freight cars. 

Possess leadership, teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and resilience to overcome obstacles and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

Daily work is conducted in an indoor/outdoor safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, climbing ladders, walking on uneven or elevated surfaces and heavy/moving machinery.   

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position's duties. 

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire.
• Does not require BNSF's assistance, now or in the future, (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Capable of working in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. Role includes climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel as much as the business requires.
• Able and willing to relocate anywhere on the BNSF Railway operating system (western 28 states) upon hire, for the summer, and travel to other locations as required. If you have any location restrictions, please answer "No."
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Industrial Distribution, Automotive, Business, Technical, Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, etc.) OR a similar degree program from an accredited university.
• Have and will maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience/military service, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
• Have access to reliable transportation for the duration of the internship to and from assigned BNSF location.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Engineering, Business, Automotive, or a related field.
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

   At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program) 
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities.  Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at 

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Mechanical | Barstow, CA | 87002