Project Engineer (1015) - Rail Facilities

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

Pension Plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation & Holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Public Transportation Pass

Job summary

SEPTA is seeking a Project Engineer (1015) - Rail Facilities to support capital programs and contribute to the design and construction of railroad facilities in the Philadelphia region. The role requires a strong background in civil/mechanical engineering or architecture and experience in rail facilities.

The ideal candidate will communicate effectively with executives and external partners, prepare budgets, manage schedules, and ensure safety and quality across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or Architecture with 5 years rail facilities experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of construction project management techniques.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and project management software.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Support capital program design and construction of railroad facilities.
• Prepare budgets, proposals, and documentation for projects.
• Coordinate with project teams, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Monitor progress and prepare periodic reports on schedules and submittals.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Architecture

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Mechanical Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized As

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Project Engineer (1015) - Rail Facilities position.

Opening Date: 08/11/2026

Closing Date: Until Filled

Job Grade: SAM 40

Starting Salary: Up to $105,378

Additional $5,000 salary increase for those with a Pennsylvania PE License

Overall Description

Rail Facilities

In this role the Project Engineer will support capital program and contribute to the design and construction of railroad facilities across the Philadelphia region.

The Project Engineer/Architect must have an extensive background and knowledge of broad areas of engineering and construction principles and practices, and be familiar with business practices. This position supports aspects of various projects as assigned by the Project Manager, to ensure that project planning, design, implementation and completion meet the requirements and needs of SEPTA, and the requirements of all the agencies, governments, special interest groups, and the general public to which SEPTA is responsible. The Project Engineer/Architect plans, develops, coordinates and supports an element of a large/moderately complex project or a number of smaller projects.

The Project Engineer/Architect must come in contact with people at higher organizational levels, both within SEPTA and outside the Authority. His/Her contacts include Department Managers within SEPTA, as well as consultant and contractor firm Assistant Vice Presidents, Federal, State, City and local government officials. The individual must possess the ability to communicate effectively in an executive, non-technical environment.

Specific Responsibilities

I. General (Applicable to all)

• Consults with senior level engineer/supervision in project definition.
• Exercises proper judgment in application of moderately complex engineering and quality assurance principles.
• Assists in preparation of budgets for proposed projects and work to be accomplished through third party.
• Generates written memoranda, technical reports, specifications, audits, presentations, etc. in a professional effective manner.
• Generates equipment specifications for procurement purposes in sufficient detail to ensure contractor/vendor interpretation.
• Adapts to team efforts where indicated in resolution of matters not suitable for singular contribution.
• Interfaces with Governmental Agencies and, as necessary, other transit Authorities concerning pertinent matter.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

II. Program Management & Construction Engineering Disciplines

• Assists in the preparation of Force Account Plans and schedules, Requests for Proposals, and budgets for proposed projects by estimating contractor and force account labor, and consultant materials and/or choices of materials.
• Document for record all major design concepts, approaches and agreements made with any and all parties involved in the project.
• Furnishes Senior Project Engineer with periodic reports as required of progress of the work and of Contractor’s compliance with the progress schedule and schedule of Shop Drawings and submittals.
• Monitors consultant’s performance and participate in design review process by coordinating in-house design review tasks.
• Conducts job progress meetings and coordinates project support functions.

Qualifications And Experience

Rail Facilities

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, OR Bachelor of Architecture and five (5) years engineering experience in rail facilities, or an equivalent combination of engineering, project management, construction or related experience is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner while working with all levels of personnel including outside agency personnel required.
• Must possess an understanding of construction project management techniques.
• Working PC knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, and project management software required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• (Internal Only) SAM employees are eligible to apply for open positions (transfer/promotion) after six (6) months from the date of assignment for their current position. A review of the previous one (1) year performance appraisal (to ensure minimum standard of “Meets Expectations” for overall rating) will be conducted. A review of Discipline record, to ensure no discipline actions occurred during previous 1 year of employment will also be conducted.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.