Construction Manager - Freight Rail Projects

Overview

Zephyr Rail is a leading provider of railroad engineering and construction management services. We specialize in freight, commuter, and passenger rail infrastructure, delivering complex projects safely, efficiently, and collaboratively. We are seeking a Construction Manager for Freight Projects to oversee freight rail and rail-related construction projects. The ideal candidate has a strong background in managing field operations for Class 1 and regional railroads, ensuring compliance with railroad safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and controls major construction projects in active freight rail environments.
• Plans, assigns, monitors, and evaluates work of subordinates with a strong emphasis on safety performance and adherence to FRA and railroad-specific protocols.
• Coordinates rail construction activities with utilities, public and private organizations, railroad personnel, and other stakeholders, including scheduling track outages and obtaining right-of-entry permissions.
• Leads constructability reviews during pre-construction and actively identifies risks and field constraints.
• Directs staff in the review of contracts and construction documents to ensure compliance with Class 1 railroad standards and right-of-way requirements.
• Oversees preparation of bid forms, pre-bid conferences, and evaluation of received contractor proposals; assists in negotiating with contractors regarding field contingencies and change orders.
• Ensures contractor work is on schedule, on budget, and complies with all technical safety, and legal requirements, including FRA regulations and railroad flagging procedures.
• Manages project documentation, progress reporting, and closeout activities including punch lists and final acceptance.
• Represents Zephyr Rail before the client, the railroad, and governmental agencies with professionalism and authority.
• Travels frequently to job sites nationwide to provide on-site leadership and coordination.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field — or equivalent hands-on railroad construction experience.
• 10+ years of construction management or field engineering experience in freight rail or heavy civil infrastructure.
• Direct experience working with BNSF, UPRR, or other Class 1 railroad personnel during active construction.
• Proven ability to manage track, signal, structure, or civil work within railroad right-of-way.
• Strong knowledge of FRA regulations, railroad safety procedures, and RWP requirements.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating change orders, managing RFIs/submittals, and administering contractor performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to job sites nationwide.
• OSHA 30, Class 1 Railroad Safety Training (BNSF, UPRR, CSX, NS, etc).
• Experience with constructability reviews, track outage planning, or Form B/C authority coordination.
• Prior involvement in project commissioning, closeout, and final acceptance.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary field teams (engineers, inspectors, flagmen, contractors, etc).
• FRA 49 CFR Part 214 compliance knowledge.
• Valid Driver's license and ability to maintain travel clearance for railroad access.

Salary Range: $90.00-$120.00 per hour

Benefits:
Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision premiums for employees, Paid PTO/Sick time, Paid Holidays, 401k with employer match, professional development opportunities, and more.

* No outside Agencies or Recruiters please!

Explore more about us at  or our careers page at  If you do not see what you're looking for, please email your resume to  to potentially become part of a team dedicated to redefining standards in rail engineering. We look forward to hearing from you!