Senior Civil Engineer; General

Position Summary

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) offers a unique and exciting engineering opportunity in its Rail Safety Engineering Section. This role focuses on overseeing railroad crossing safety improvement projects, including warning device upgrades, new crossing construction, as well as highway bridge and railroad bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects. Since the early 1900s, the PUC has regulated the railroad industry to ensure safe highway/rail crossings (above, below or at-grade) for the traveling public and the secure movement of trains throughout the Commonwealth.

The position is headquartered in Harrisburg and involves occasional travel across Pennsylvania for site inspections, on‑site diagnostic meetings, and final project reviews.

In this role, you will collaborate with representatives from the railroad industry, state agencies, utility companies, and municipalities. Responsibilities include processing applications, complaints, reviewing and certifying engineering project plans, and preparing documentation to authorize project construction.

• Plan Review:
  Examine construction plans, bridge designs, and warning device layouts for accuracy and safety.
• Safety Evaluation:
  Review reports and data to recommend improvements that reduce risks at highway and rail crossings.
• Field Inspection:
  Conduct site visits, meetings, and inspections to address safety concerns and guide needed improvements.
• Case Documentation:
  Prepare letters, orders, and summaries for crossing projects and proceedings.
• Technical Support:
  Assist with expert testimony, technical guidance, and project recommendations for hearings.
• Project Monitoring:
  Track the progress of assigned cases and resolve delays by coordinating with involved parties.

• Full‑time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday‑Friday, with a 60‑minute lunch.
• Telework:
  These positions are headquartered in Harrisburg. Part‑time telework is a potential feature of this position. Successful candidates must report to the headquarters worksite daily unless the employee meets eligibility requirements and telework has been approved by the Bureau Director. To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee’s alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:
  • Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
  • Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Salary:
  In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• Additional communication about this position may be sent via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

• Six years of civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty and an Engineer‑in‑Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
• Five years of civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty; and an Engineer‑in‑Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; and an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or a closely related engineering discipline; or
• Two years of professional civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting…