Lead Freight Rail Track Engineer – Hybrid Role

GFT; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid (in-person and remote) work

401(k) and comprehensive benefits

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Freight Rail Track Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Kansas City, MO or Omaha, NE, with a hybrid schedule.

You will lead track design for freight rail, coordinate with Class I railroads, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring AREMA standards and using MicroStation/OpenRail.

This role offers a path to contribute to resilient multimodal transportation projects across the Midwest.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 4 years rail design experience (freight, passenger, or intermodal).
• 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 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 (QC) reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRail

Job description

GFT is seeking a Freight Rail Track Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Kansas City, MO or Omaha, NE, with a hybrid schedule.

You will lead track design for freight rail, coordinate with Class I railroads, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring AREMA standards and using MicroStation/OpenRail.

This role offers a path to contribute to resilient multimodal transportation projects across the Midwest.