Transit and Rail Design Engineer

Rail Design Engineer

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 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, able to solve engineering design issues, take ownership of work, and possess strong listening and communication skills. They should also 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.
• 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.
• Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers and keeps them informed of design status.
• Responsible for accuracy of engineering design, quality presentation, and thoroughness.
• Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Research appropriate design options and document 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.
• EIT Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Familiarity with Micro Station, Open Roads or 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 with experience in any Class 1 railroad, transit rail district, or rail/freight industry.
• Previous internship in the field of Engineering.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional civil engineering rail design experience.

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, pet insurance, 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 for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Schaumburg, IL

8:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Full‑Time

$76,000 – $110,000

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.