Chief Inspector – Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

M&J Engineering; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and eye insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Chief Inspector to supervise construction activities within railroad environments. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, preparing reports, and collaborating with engineers to manage projects effectively. Candidates must have extensive field inspection experience and relevant certifications. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and 401(k). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 5 years of inspection experience or 10 years with NICET Level IV certification.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and prepare reports.
• Strong communication skills and mathematical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise construction activities and ensure compliance with standards.
• Prepare Daily Work Reports and document construction activities.
• Collaborate with engineers to resolve field issues and evaluate requests.
• Verify contractor pay quantities for foundations, duct banks, equipment.
• Collaborate with the Resident Engineer to resolve field issues.
• Review submittals and shop drawings for compliance.

Skills

Field inspection experience

Knowledge of railroad construction

Technical writing

Mathematical calculations

Communication skills

Mathematical calculations

Education

Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent

NICET Level IV certification

EIT

NICET Level IV

Tools

Civil, structural, and electrical construction drawings

Digital construction management systems

ATSSA Traffic Control Technician

OSHA 10- or 30- Hour Construction Safety

Job description

• NETTCP Concrete

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi‑discipline consulting services with over 300 employees. Since its inception in 2004, M&J has grown into a diversified provider of engineering, construction management, construction inspection, technology, and environmental services to a broad range of clients, including federal, state and city/local agencies, private owners, architects, engineers and contractors.

M&J is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS, mechanical, electrical, wastewater, water supply, tunnel airport, port, marine/coastal, environmental engineering, and design‑build services for both new infrastructure projects and renovations.

M&J bases its employment and personnel decisions on the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, with the intent to further the Company’s affirmative action commitment. M&J does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, employment status, veteran or military status, or any other category protected by law. Our Company vigorously pursues opportunities to recruit and develop job candidates who have the desire and potential for becoming qualified employees through our affirmative action plan.

Chief Inspector – Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

A field‑based position involving supervising construction contractor activities within an active railroad environment to ensure full compliance with contract plans, specifications, special provisions, CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail requirements, FRA safety regulations, applicable NEC/NFPA electrical codes, environmental commitments, and approved safety plans.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve contractor sitework, traction power and electrical installations, structural components, underground utilities, grounding and bonding systems, and related infrastructure to ensure conformance with contract documents and established quality standards; identify nonconforming work and ensure timely corrective action.
• Oversee construction activities occurring within railroad right‑of‑way, ensuring compliance with railroad safety protocols, flagging requirements, outage coordination procedures, and approved work windows.
• Prepare detailed Daily Work Reports (DWRs) documenting construction activities, workforce, equipment, deliveries, inspections, testing, safety observations, and significant project events.
• Perform field measurements and assessments of completed work; calculate and verify contractor pay quantities including concrete foundations, duct banks, grounding systems, structural elements, and installed electrical equipment.
• Collaborate with the Resident Engineer in resolving field issues, addressing substandard or nonconforming work, evaluating extra work requests, and supporting negotiation of change orders.
• Analyze and evaluate constructability challenges associated with rail operations, electrical installations, and confined work areas; provide practical and technically sound solutions to maintain schedule and compliance.
• Review, verify, and recommend approval of contractor submittals, shop drawings, electrical schematics, protection and control diagrams, materials, and installation methods to ensure compliance with contract documents and applicable codes.
• Witness and document required inspections, material testing, electrical testing, grounding resistance testing, protective relay testing, battery system testing, SCADA integration testing, and system commissioning activities.
• Prepare engineering and administrative reports with technical accuracy and clarity.
• Provide supervision, oversight, and technical guidance to junior inspectors and field technicians to ensure proper coverage, documentation, and quality control.
• Participate in progress meetings, safety briefings, and coordination meetings with CTDOT staff, railroad representatives, contractors, utility providers, and other stakeholders; prepare meeting summaries and track action items as required.
• Coordinate with contractor project managers, subcontractors, railroad personnel, and utility companies to prevent work conflicts, ensure safe sequencing of operations, and minimize service disruptions.
• Collaborate with public officials, property owners, and business representatives, when required, to address construction‑related concerns and minimize community impacts.
• Monitor Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (M&PT) operations to ensure compliance with approved traffic control plans and protection of workers and the traveling public.
• Monitor contractor compliance with environmental permits, erosion and sedimentation control measures, safety plans, affirmative action (AA), and equal employment opportunity (EEO) requirements.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability: Considerable knowledge of principles and practices utilized on complex railroad and traction power construction projects, including work associated with high‑voltage substations, arc‑resistant switchgear, protective relay systems, SCADA/RTU integration, DC battery systems, underground concrete‑encased duct banks, grounding and bonding systems, structural foundations, drainage systems, and construction within active rail right‑of‑way environments; considerable technical skill in the preparation of engineering and administrative reports; skill and ability to analyze and evaluate electrical, structural, and civil construction issues in compliance with CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail requirements, FRA safety regulations, and applicable NEC/NFPA codes, and provide effective, constructible solutions; thorough understanding of railroad safety procedures, outage coordination, and work window restrictions; strong interpersonal skills; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to perform complex mathematical calculations for quantity verification and pay estimates; ability to interpret and enforce contract plans, specifications, shop drawings, electrical schematics, and testing/commissioning procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of field inspection experience on railroad, transportation, electrical, or heavy civil infrastructure projects plus one of the following:
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
  • Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT)

OR

• Ten (10) years of relevant field construction or inspection experience with NICET Level IV certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret civil, structural, and electrical construction drawings.
  • Experience preparing detailed inspection reports and verifying pay quantities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Chief Inspector on CTDOT or other public‑sector rail infrastructure projects.
• Experience with commuter or intercity railroad projects, traction power systems, substations, underground utilities, duct banks, and electrical system commissioning.
• Familiarity with CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail operating procedures, FRA regulations, and NEC/NFPA requirements.
• Relevant certifications such as:
  • ACI Certification
  • NETTCP Concrete
  • NETTCP Soils & Aggregate
  • ATSSA Traffic Control Technician
  • OSHA 10‑ or 30‑Hour Construction Safety
• Familiarity with digital construction management systems (e.g., AASHTOWare, COMPASS, or similar).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and off‑hours during scheduled rail outages or critical operations.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to work year‑round in active construction and railroad environments.
• Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain, access substation structures, climb ladders, and observe elevated electrical equipment.
• Exposure to active rail operations, heavy equipment, and high‑voltage electrical systems.
• Combination of field and office work under varied weather and site conditions.
• Must meet all applicable railroad safety and training requirements.

Benefits

M&J is a leader in providing quality engineering consulting services to a diverse and exciting client base. We attract experienced professionals who understand proactive client service, safety, risk management and loss prevention practices, quality control, teamwork, and the development of younger staff. We seek employees who enjoy their work, desire continuous improvement, and want to contribute to the vision and growth of a quality, employee‑owned, professional firm. To all full‑time employees we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental and eye insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, etc. Salary will depend on experience and credentials.