Innovation & Transit Technology Intern

Systems And Data Strategy Intern

Step into a role where technology meets the future of mobility—this internship puts you at the center of building a smarter, more resilient transit agency. As a Systems and Data Strategy Intern, you'll uncover insights, optimize systems, and help shape how innovative transportation solutions are planned and delivered.

This summer internship is 20 hours a week and 100% in person at our office in Eden Prairie, MN.

SouthWest Transit is an award-winning transit agency serving the SouthWest Twin Cities area through bus, on-demand rideshare, and shuttle services. The agency is committed to serving the needs of their customers through diverse and innovative transit solutions that build community and connect customers from where they are to where they want to go.

Mission: We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go.

Vision: SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

SouthWest Transit is seeking an intern to act as a data detective and operational strategist. Working within the IT department, you will bring a fresh perspective to our hardware and software ecosystems while researching new frontiers in suburban mobility. Your work will directly influence the types of services we offer in the future by turning research into actionable strategy. In return, you will gain high-level exposure to how a premier transit agency plans, audits, and deploys the next generation of transportation technology.

Applications may be reviewed as they are submitted. The job ad may remain open until the position is filled.

This role is built on four critical pillars that are essential to the future of our agency. You will be at the center of high stakes projects that bridge the gap between technical infrastructure and regional mobility.

• Suburban Autonomous Mobility: Research best practices for successfully deploying autonomous vehicles as part of mobility or transit offerings specifically in suburban and exurban communities.
• Asset Tracking & Software Optimization: Establish and update a rolling inventory of departmental hardware and software to help leadership identify and select best in class tools.
• Technology Cost Analysis: Support the financial modeling of tech infrastructure, comparing direct equipment ownership against managed service partnerships to understand long-term value.
• Project Workflow Support: Assist in gathering requirements and documenting needs for the migration of team workflows into a new project management platform. Support the Data Analytics department in identifying and inventorying varying data-source storage locations, and capturing information offered in real-time dashboards.

This internship is designed to support knowledge and skill development in:

• Managing a hardware fleet, a software stack, and a department budget
• Building reports for agency leadership
• Working on regional mobility projects alongside agency leadership

• Education: Rising junior or senior undergraduate, or currently enrolled graduate student.
• Fields of Study: Technology, Urban Planning, Data Science, Economics, Public Administration, Business, or related fields.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.0.
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, and an interest in transportation and public sector innovation.