Freight Rail Track Engineer

GFT; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits (medical, etc.)

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Professional development opportunities

Incentive compensation program

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Civil Engineer for Freight Rail Design to join our Transportation Team at multiple US locations including Houston, TX, with a hybrid work model. The role emphasizes rail design for freight, intermodal, and industrial projects, and offers growth toward a Team Lead within 6–12 months.

The ideal candidate will have a 4+ year rail design background, PE licensure or progression toward licensure, and proficiency in MicroStation/OpenRail, AREMA standards, and coordination with Class I

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• Prior leadership experience or readiness to take on a lead design role.

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 reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

4+ years rail design experience

Leadership readiness

Strong communication skills

Licensed Professional Engineer (or licensure within 6 months)

AREMA standards understanding

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRail

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Civil Engineer, Freight Rail Design to join our Transportation Team at our Kansas City, MO; Omaha, NE; Austin, TX; Houston, TX; or Dallas, TX location. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these office locations.

Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

This role will support our 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 would be an opportunity to grow into a Team Lead role within 6 months to 1 year, providing leadership over rail design staff.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• 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 reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• 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.
• 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.
• Prior leadership experience or readiness to take on a lead design role.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $115,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• 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 of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT 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.

Location: Kansas City, MO; Omaha, NE; Austin, TX; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time