Transit and Rail Design Engineer

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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 and possess the ability to solve engineering design issues and take ownership of their work. They will 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.

Come join our team and use your skills to design some of the most important and complex projects in the Chicagoland area and across North America. Our team specializes in intermodal projects that involve every aspect of civil engineering. If you love freight, rail, site development, or transit projects, we are the team for you. Our culture is fast‑paced and creative, and this position is for an engineer who wants to contribute to a team environment and take advantage of growth opportunities.

• Prepare construction documents using Micro Station/Open Rail.
• Develop horizontal and vertical geometry (track alignment and profile), site/facility layout, grading design, and utility layouts.
• Perform in a team environment; ask questions and share knowledge.
• Work alongside civil, structural, and signal teams to integrate rail projects into broader transportation networks.
• Support permitting and compliance with AREMA standards and railroad engineering guidelines.
• Receive instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers and keep them informed of design status.
• Be responsible for accuracy of engineering design, quality presentation, and thoroughness.
• Analyze information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Research appropriate design options and document findings for Project Manager.
• Make decisions independently on engineering problems and methods.
• Prepare, or support 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 in 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…