Senior Rail Engineer

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as Discipline or Task Lead for railroad and/or civil engineering design projects within the freight rail market sector, and support other market sectors as needed.
• Support Project Managers by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities.
• Manage scope, budget, and schedule, and develop design criteria, specifications, project guides, meeting notes, and cost estimating activities.
• Perform railroad and/or civil engineering design and analysis for rail and rail‑related transportation projects.
• Lead and/or perform detailed quality control reviews of projects.
• Lead or participate in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.
• Attend industry events and represent HDR as required.
• Mentor younger staff and support technical development.
• Supervise junior staff performance of engineering tasks.
• Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other clients.
• Provide leadership across technical disciplines.

• Hands‑on experience in all aspects of rail and/or civil design projects.
• Experience with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) and other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria.
• Knowledge of railroad analysis programs and design software.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, strong communication, and teamwork.
• Desire to mentor younger staff and expand skills related to the railroad industry.
• Ability to become licensed as a P.E. or P. Eng. in additional jurisdictions through NCEES or similar.
• Lead projects through design and production coordinating with other disciplines and production staff.
• Project management experience managing projects for rail, industrial, or transit clients.
• Demonstrated client development or client management experience.
• Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus.
• Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10 years of experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (e.g., PE or P. Eng.).
• Proficiency with Micro Station, Open Rail Designer/Open Roads Designer, AutoCAD, and Civil3D.
• Skilled in technical writing, communication, and presentation to clients and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects.
• Familiarity with water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies.
• Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Commitment to actively participate in the employee‑owned culture.

HDR offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical plans, paid time off, tuition assistance, 401(k), and employee stock ownership plans to support your personal and professional goals.

HDR is an equal‑opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment for all employees. Our Employee Network Groups and collaborative culture support belonging, growth, and community engagement.