Civil Engineer - Freight Rail Design

What You Will Do

GFT is hiring a Civil Engineer, Freight Rail Design to join our Transportation Team in our Midwest offices:
Kansas City, MO;
Omaha, NE;
Chicago, IL;
Austin, Dallas, and Houston, TX. The position follows a hybrid work model and requires regular in‑office attendance. This role supports our Midwest Area on design and planning projects with an emphasis on rail design and offers the opportunity to grow into a Team Lead within 6–12 months, providing leadership over rail design staff.

• Lead track and rail infrastructure design for freight railroads, intermodal facilities, and industrial rail projects.
• Develop plan and profile designs using Micro Station/Open Rail for new track alignments, industry track loops, yard expansions, and rehabilitation projects.
• Prepare horizontal and vertical alignment designs, turnout and crossover layouts, drainage considerations, and grading plans.
• Coordinate with Class I railroads (BNSF, UP, CN, CSX, KCS, etc.), public agencies, and private clients to meet project specifications.
• Perform site investigations, track geometry calculations, and constructability assessments.
• Work alongside civil, structural, and signal teams to integrate rail projects into broader transportation networks.
• Support permitting and compliance with AREMA standards and railroad engineering guidelines.
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct quality‑control reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 4 years’ professional experience in rail design (freight, passenger, or intermodal projects preferred).
• Licensed Professional Engineer, or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency in Micro Station and/or Open Rail.
• Understanding of AREMA standards, Class I railroad design guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with public agencies, railroads, and private developers.
• Prior leadership experience or readiness to take on a lead design role.

Salary range: $80,000 – $115,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

GFT is a privately held AEC firm that innovates where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life and measure our success by the strength of our relationships, making us the employer of choice for thousands of industry professionals.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location:

Kansas City, MO;
Omaha, NE;
Houston, TX;
Dallas, TX
Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status:
Full‑Time
Salary Range: $80,000 – $115,000
Salary depends upon experience and geographic location.
Criminal background check required for all advertised positions.