About the Role
This role supports the Midwest Area on a variety of design and planning projects with an emphasis on Rail design. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to understand the application of engineering fundamentals on transportation engineering design projects for a variety of clients, particularly states, municipalities, and railroads. This position has the opportunity to grow into a Team Lead role within 6 months to 1 year, providing leadership over rail design staff. It is ideal for candidates looking to take on project management responsibilities while continuing to develop their technical expertise.
Responsibilities
- Lead track and rail infrastructure design for freight railroads, intermodal facilities, and industrial rail projects.
- Develop plan and profile designs using MicroStation/OpenRail for new track alignments, industry track loops, yard expansions, and rehabilitation projects.
- Prepare horizontal and vertical alignment designs, turnout and crossover layouts, drainage considerations, and grading plans.
- Coordinate with Class I railroads (BNSF, UP, CN, CSX, KCS, etc.), public agencies, and private clients to meet project specifications.
- Perform site investigations, track geometry calculations, and constructability assessments.
- 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.
- Mentor junior engineers, conduct quality control (QC) reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
- Minimum of 4 years' professional experience in rail design (freight, passenger, or intermodal projects preferred).
- Licensed Professional Engineer, or able to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
- Prior leadership experience or readiness to take on a lead design role.
- The successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
Skills
- Proficiency in MicroStation and/or OpenRail.
- Understanding of AREMA standards, Class I railroad design guidelines, and industry best practices.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with public agencies, railroads, and private developers.
Location
- Kansas City, MO
- Omaha, NE
- Austin, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Houston, TX
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-Time
Experience Level
- 4+ years professional experience in rail design
- Opportunity to grow into a Team Lead role within 6 months to 1 year
Education Level
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
Salary/Compensations
- $80,000 - $115,000
Benefits
- 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.
About the Company
- GFT is a privately held AEC firm that innovates where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge, calling this the Infrastructure of Life.
- The company measures success by the strength of its relationships and is an employer of choice for over 5,000 industry professionals.
- Clients choose GFT for its expertise, nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch.
- With over a century of experience, GFT is building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
- GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
