Entry Level Transit & Rail Designer

VHB; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

401(k) plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Recognition programs

Job summary

VHB is seeking an entry to junior Transit & Rail Engineer/Designer in Massachusetts. You will contribute to planning and design for complex transit and rail infrastructure, advancing our group and delivering key client deliverables.

You’ll engage in civil design across track structure, drainage, station planning, and maintenance facilities while collaborating with a team to develop technical documents and reports. A background in civil engineering and CAD skills are valuable in this role.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of planning experience, whether through coursework or professional experience.
• BS in Civil Engineering; Engineer in Training certification preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD and MicroStation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce and deliver transit & rail projects from study through the construction administration phase.
• Perform civil design on rail projects including track structure and drainage, alignment geometry, grade crossings, stations, layover facilities, and MOE/MOW yards.
• Assist in the development of technical design and specification documents.
• Assist in the development of construction bid documents.
• Prepare written planning documents, summarize information collected by others, and assemble reports.
• Assist in preparing plans, projects, programs, and/or strategies within various areas (transit, rail, freight, bus, sustainability, climate adaptation).
• Research and interpret policy plans, zoning and land use regulations, demographics, data, and related information.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

Engineer in Training certification preferred

Tools

CAD

MicroStation

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Transit & Rail Engineer/Designer prepares a variety of planning and design projects for complex transit & rail transportation infrastructure projects and plays an important role in expanding and shaping the group as well as servicing a key role in preparing for and delivering on key client deliverables.

Overview

The Transit & Rail Engineer/Designer prepares a variety of planning and design projects for complex transit & rail transportation infrastructure projects and plays an important role in expanding and shaping the group as well as servicing a key role in preparing for and delivering on key client deliverables.

Learn more about a day in the life of a Transit & Rail Designer - A Day in the Life of Gavin Graham: Transit Innovation in Boston | VHB

Responsibilities

• Producing and delivering transit & rail projects from study through the construction administration phase
• Perform civil design on a variety of rail projects including track structure and drainage, alignment geometry, grade crossings, stations, layover facilities, and maintenance of equipment (MOE) and maintenance of way (MOW) yards
• Assist in the development of technical design and specification documents
• Assist in the development of construction bid documents
• Prepare written planning documents, summarize information collected by others, and assemble reports
• Assists in the preparation of plans, projects, programs, and/or strategies within a variety of areas (e.g., transit, rail, freight, bus, sustainability, climate adaptation).
• Assists in the preparation of planning documents and applications. Researches and interprets comprehensive policy plans, zoning and land use regulations, demographics, statistical data, and related community information.
• Prepares written technical planning documents, applications, and justification statements in conformance with codes, plans, and regulations. Summarizes information collected by others and assembles reports.
• Conducts surveys, field evaluations, planning studies to include feasibility studies, and assessments.
• Interacts with numerous team members and clients advance projects in a timely manner.
• Assists designers in preparing designs, alternatives analyses, environmental documentation, master plans, code reviews, ridership reviews, and capacity improvements assessments. Prepares graphics, maps, and diagrams to support projects. Prepares presentation materials for meetings.
• Assists in preparing, coordinating, and facilitating public presentations and workshops.
• Attends meetings with local authorities, civic leaders, and development specialists for the purpose of devising and recommending bus, transit and rail improvements.
• Participates in professional and personal development aligned with career goals.
• Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company policies and procedures.

Skills And Abilities

• Entry-level knowledge of fundamental principles and practices of civil engineering, technical design, transportation planning, research, and data collection.
• Experience with CAD and MicroStation preferred.
• Entry-level knowledge of relevant transportation specialization preferred.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to apply statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge in practical situations.
• Familiarity with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team oriented with ability to perform multiple tasks independently in a timely manner and collaborate effectively and positively with coworkers.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and detail oriented.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of planning experience, whether through coursework or professional experience
• BS in Civil Engineering (a master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience)
• Engineer in Training certification preferred

The full-time annual base salary range for this position, located in Massachusetts, is $86,000 to $88,000. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience , including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.

Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist

Building What’s Next, Together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When You Join VHB, You’ll Find

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best‑in‑class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.