Railroad Engineer at Wisconsin DOT Madison, WI

Railroad Engineer – Wisconsin DOT, Madison, WI Position Summary

The Railroad Project Engineer is responsible for providing railroad engineering expertise and consultation for passenger rail and freight rail infrastructure projects. The engineer supports rail engineering matters related to passenger rail operations and projects, assists in freight projects on publicly owned corridors, and manages development of design and construction estimates, project plan reviews, technical exhibits for regulatory agencies, and inspections of port facilities, tracks, and structures, including wayside signals, track structure, bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.

The Railroad Facilities Engineer is responsible for railroad engineering expertise and consultation related to railroad property acquisitions, track rehabilitation, track maintenance, and new track construction. This role oversees and supports the Freight Railroad Preservation Program (FRPP) and the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) activities and assists with rail facility construction projects funded by the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program. Responsibilities include track structure and appurtenances such as bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.

Entry level: schedule range 14-14, starting salary between $64,854 and $73,840, with incremental increases every 6 months for the first 2 years. 12‑month probationary period required.

Senior level: schedule range 14-13, annual salary $80,870‑99,403, with 12‑month probationary period.

Advanced level: schedule range 14-13, annual salary $90,064‑108,950, with 12‑month probationary period.

WisDOT does not sponsor work visas. Applications are contingent upon proof of valid status to work in the United States.

All appointments may require a comprehensive criminal background check, including FBI fingerprinting.

Minimum qualifications:

Graduation or expected graduation by May 2025 from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) ABET accredited college or university with a 4‑year bachelor’s degree (or Master’s or Ph.D.) in engineering, or possession of a professional engineer (PE) license in Wisconsin, or valid PE registration with ability to obtain Wisconsin PE registration within 3 months if from another state.

Senior level candidates: must also have at least 4 years of professional transportation engineering project experience in construction or design phases, including team membership or leadership in transportation projects, field work guidance, technical consultation, monitoring and reporting project progress.

Advanced level candidates: must also have experience in rail or bridge components, inspections, operations, or applying project management principles to roadway and/or track projects.