Freight Rail/Civil Engineer

Position Overview

The Freight Rail/Civil Engineer at HDR plays a critical role in coordinating with clients, project teams, and consultants to develop innovative track and civil design plans and specifications. This role involves working on all phases of projects—from feasibility and design to construction and field assessments—while being part of an inclusive culture that values authenticity, creativity, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with clients/owners, project teams, and other consultants
• Support Rail Project Managers and Engineers with track and civil design plans and specifications
• Develop design criteria, project guides, meeting notes, and project controls
• Perform track design engineering, inroads modeling, and construction cost estimating
• Collaborate closely with project design task leads and serve as a cross-disciplinary resource
• Participate in project phases from feasibility analysis and final design to construction, including procurement and bid support
• Engage in client and stakeholder visits, site assessments, and construction inspections
• Review design plans, calculations, estimates, and specifications produced by others
• Work independently on small projects and assist on large-scale projects
• Adhere to established schedules and budgets while performing various project duties
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Professional engineering license recognized by the local licensing board (e.g., PE or P.Eng license)
• Hands-on experience with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer, AutoCAD, and Civil3D
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in MS Office software
• Excellent oral and written communication and project management skills
• A commitment to being an active participant in an employee-owned culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with railroad, industrial, or transit clients
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Familiarity with railroad design guidelines, specifications, and design criteria
• Prior design project experience with freight or commuter railroads
• Hands-on experience with Bentley OpenRail and OpenRoads drafting and design
• Willingness to travel for client visits, site assessments, and construction inspections
• Experience in Construction Administration and construction technology is a plus
• California SWPPP QSP Certificate (QSD a plus)

Benefits & Perks

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonuses, and tuition reimbursement
• The expected compensation range for this position is $98,000 - $142,000 annually, dependent on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.