Transit and Rail Design Engineer

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Rail Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Schaumburg, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Schaumburg, IL office.

Working with the Rail Team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation and delivering projects that improve operations, capacity, and safety for our clients. Specializing in large-scale intermodal facilities, capacity improvements, transit projects, and industrial developments, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with creative thinking to provide innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, we’re transforming rail networks across North America and optimizing how goods and people reach their destinations.

GFT is seeking a motivated engineer to join our Schaumburg Rail Team. The successful candidate will provide design services for a diverse rail project portfolio comprised of freight, transit, industrial, and site development projects. The ideal candidate will be creative, possess the ability to solve engineering design issues, and take ownership of their work. They will also have strong listening and communication skills and be able to interact with clients and the design team throughout the project lifecycle.

This engineer should have solid writing skills and enjoy being part of a dynamic, growing team of creative professionals.

• Prepares construction documents using Micro Station/Open Rail.
• Develops horizontal and vertical geometry (track alignment and profile), site/facility layout, grading design, and utility layouts.
• Performs tasks in a team environment; asks questions and shares knowledge.
• Works alongside civil, structural, and signal teams to integrate rail projects into broader transportation networks.
• Supports permitting and compliance with AREMA standards and railroad engineering guidelines.
• Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers and keeps them informed of design status.
• Ensures accuracy of engineering design, quality presentation, and thoroughness.
• Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Researches appropriate design options and documents findings for Project Manager.
• Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods.
• Prepares or supports the preparation of plans, specifications, quantities, and cost estimates.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Minimum of 2‑5 years of professional civil engineering rail design experience.
• EIT certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of Micro Station / Open Rail.
• Competent in reading plans and shop drawings, and evaluating contractor compliance with construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to work with public agencies, railroads, and private developers.

• Special interest in rail, transit, or site engineering. Experience with any Class 1 railroad, transit rail district, or rail/freight industry preferred.

The salary range for this role is $76,000 – $110,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to 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, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and…