Senior Rail Engineer

Position Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where every individual is valued and respected. We believe transportation is more than just movement – it is the foundation for connected and thriving communities. As part of our Transportation Business Group, you will have the opportunity to design resilient highways, iconic bridges, and next-generation transportation solutions that directly support economic vitality, public safety, and sustainable communities. Join our dynamic team as a Senior Rail Engineer and help shape the future of freight rail while collaborating with experts across various disciplines.

Location: United States-Florida-Jacksonville

Schedule: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Discipline or Task Lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects to support the Freight Rail Market Sector and other sectors as needed.
• Support Project Managers by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities.
• Manage scope, budget, schedule, and the development of design criteria, specifications, project guides, meeting notes, and cost estimates.
• Perform planning, analysis, and design for railroad and rail-related transportation projects.
• Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of projects.
• Support client and stakeholder engagements through site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections.
• Attend industry events and represent HDR as needed.
• Mentor junior staff and support their technical development.
• Supervise junior staff in the performance of engineering tasks.
• Collaborate with clients across the rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, and transit sectors.
• Provide leadership across technical disciplines.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Experience Required: 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects.
• Must possess a professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the position’s location (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license).
• Proficient with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer/OpenRoads Designer, and/or AutoCAD and Civil3D.
• Skilled in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects.
• Familiarity with water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• A commitment to actively participate in our employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in all aspects of rail and/or civil design projects.
• Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) and other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria.
• Knowledge of railroad analysis programs, and related design software.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• A desire to mentor younger staff and expand expertise in the railroad industry.
• Ability to become licensed as a P.E. or P.Eng in additional jurisdictions through NCEES or a similar entity.
• Experience leading projects from design through production across multiple disciplines.
• Project management experience for rail, industrial, or transit clients.
• Experience with client development or client management.
• Construction inspection or management experience is a plus.
• Experience in technical writing, client communication, and presentations.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: Excellent medical plan.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• 401(k) and employee stock ownership plans.
• Additional benefits supporting your personal and professional goals.