DB E.C.O. North America (with “E.C.O.” representing “Engineering, Consulting and Operations") offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. DB E.C.O. North America is part of the DB E.C.O. Group and leverages Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. Their cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate their portfolios and elevate business performance. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence, they strive to enhance the customer experience, increase rail usage, and “Transform The Future Of Mobility.”

Department: Consulting

Reports to: Manager

Location: Laguna Niguel, CA

Duration: June 2027 to August 2027

Schedule: 40 hours per week (in-person)

Application Deadline: Submit your resume and a short cover letter to the job posting by 5pm PT on November 13th, 2026.

Tasks & Responsibilities

You will work in one of the following portfolios of DB E.C.O. North America. Tell us your preferred portfolio in your cover letter.

Conceptual Rail Service, Operations, and Infrastructure Planning

DB E.C.O. performs conceptual planning for public agencies, operators, and Class I railroads to design public transportation service plans, operation plans, and to identify effective infrastructure investments. We work across the full range of planning horizons from short-term projects for immediate implementation to long-term visioning projects. DB E.C.O. uses state-of-the-art methods and tools.
You will contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of an experienced consultant and receive training in our methods and tools. Typical tasks:
Build and check timetable, ridership, and capacity datasets in Excel or Python
Support rail operations simulation and service plan development
Prepare GIS maps and other graphics for reports and client materials
Research peer systems and summarize findings for client deliverables

Governance and Integration Consulting

DB E.C.O. consults public agencies to improve integration of the customer interface for public transportation systems and to facilitate cross-agency coordination. We draw on our expertise as the major operator of Germany’s integrated public transportation system to identify and adapt solutions for use in the U.S.
You will contribute to ongoing projects under the supervision of a manager and receive training in our methods and tools. Typical tasks:
Research German and European practices in fare integration, customer information, and agency coordination
Adapt those practices to U.S. agency and regulatory settings
Draft memos, slides, and graphics for client meetings

Requirements

Working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or Transportation Planning (MS or equivalent)
Strong ability to think analytically and stay focused on developing solutions to complex technical matters
Demonstrable project or research experience
Organized, flexible, and able to work independently
Proficiency with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Professional fluency in English

Preferred

Research or work experience in strategic rail planning, operations planning, or route management
Python, R, or GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS)
Exposure to rail simulation or scheduling software
German language skills (helpful for the Governance and Integration portfolio)

Working Conditions and Travel

5 days per week in the office. Minimal overnight travel by land and air.

Physical Requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation

Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time
Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day
Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings
Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings

Compensation: $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Quick overview of our U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans