Intern-OT Network Security

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient service.

The Metra Internship Program provides an opportunity for college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students to gain practical experience through on-the-job learning. Metra assigns students to projects related to their academic/educational field of study, which complements classroom instruction. The knowledge gained contributes to career development, while the experience provides insight on the wide variety of jobs in the transportation industry.

Metra's Engineering Department is staffed with over 800 employees who work tirelessly applying technology and engineering principles in the design, construction, operation, and management of our network of infrastructure, facilities, and equipment so that the customers can enjoy a safe, comfortable, economical, and dependable transit experience.

OT Network Engineering is responsible for designing and supporting network infrastructure for Metra's Operational Technology (OT) Systems, such as SCADA systems for electrical distribution, train signal systems for CTC and PTC, and telecommunications systems for CCTV, IP telephony, radio, etc.

The Network Security Intern will support our OT Network Security Engineering team. This internship provides handson exposure to enterprise networking, cybersecurity operations, and security best practices in a real-world environment. The intern will work alongside experienced engineers to help maintain, monitor, and secure network infrastructure.

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Engineering Network Security, the intern will:

• Contribute to the design, operation, support, and security of Metra's OT Systems and Networks.
• Assist with OT asset management, inventory, deployment, and delivery of computer and networking equipment.
• Assist with monitoring and analyzing network traffic for security threats and anomalies.
• Support configuration, documentation, and maintenance of network security devices (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS).
• Participate in vulnerability assessments and remediation tracking.
• Help review and update network security documentation, diagrams, and procedures.
• Assist with incident response activities, including investigation and basic analysis.
• Work with senior engineers on security projects and technology evaluations.
• Follow established change management and security policies.

The length of the program is up to one year with three (3) mandatory one-week break periods during the school year: May, September and December.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

The Intern must be currently enrolled as a sophomore,junior, or senior in an undergraduate program or in a graduate program from an accredited institution. Strongly preferred areas of study in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or similar. These will be considered before other fields.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Computer experience should include knowledge and skill using Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines and problem-solving skills.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs).
• Familiarity with fundamental security concepts (firewalls, VPNs, encryption, access control).
• Strong desire to learn and grow in the field of network security.

Must be 18 years or older; able to legally work in the United States; a student in good standing for each semester/quarter during their internship; and available to work between 12 and 20 hours per week for up to one year (optional: 40 hours per week during summer months).

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Metra is unable to sponsor visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) at this time.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.