Project Engineer - Rail Transporation

RJI Search

Virginia (MN)

Hybrid

USD 126,000 - 154,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Short- and long-term disability

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

RJI Search is looking for an experienced Project Engineer for a fixed-term contract of approximately 3 years based in Dulles, VA. The role involves leading project activities and coordination in a field-based environment, requiring hands-on participation. Candidates need at least 5 years of experience in similar engineering roles, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and the flexibility to work overnight shifts. Comprehensive benefits include medical coverage, 401(k) plans, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of experience in engineering roles.
Comfortable working overnight in field/construction environments.
Ability to travel 25-50% to project sites.

Responsibilities

Develop and control project plans and schedules.
Lead engineering activities to meet project milestones.
Coordinate with stakeholders to develop project documentation.
Conduct regular progress reviews and troubleshoot issues.
Provide on-site coordination and installation support.

Skills

Project Management

Engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Project Engineer — Fixed-Term Contract (Approximately 3+ Years) Location: Dulles, VA (with potential travel to other U.S. sites) Compensation: $140,000 base salary | Full Benefits | Paid as Full-Time Employee

About the Opportunity

A well-established, specialized Rail Transportation organization is seeking an experienced Project Engineer to support a major system revamp and remediation initiative at a large-scale transportation facility in the Dulles, VA area. This is a project-based, fixed-term role anticipated to run approximately 3 years, with the possibility of reassignment to additional projects upon completion. The selected candidate will be hired as a full-time employee with full benefits for the duration of the contract.

This is a highly field-based, hands‑on role. Portions of the project activities will occur during overnight operational windows — candidates must be comfortable working overnight shifts and in active field environments.

What You’ll Do

Develop, maintain, and control detailed project plans, schedules, and execution strategies in alignment with project scope, cost, and quality requirements
Lead and execute engineering and project-related activities to ensure timely achievement of milestones and deliverables
Coordinate with project managers, engineering staff, suppliers, subcontractors, and safety personnel to develop schedules, change order documents, and technical documentation
Maintain client and stakeholder relationships, providing regular internal and external project progress reports
Conduct regular progress reviews, proactively identifying technical, schedule, and resource challenges and proposing practical solutions
Develop, review, and approve engineering deliverables including technical proposals, cost estimates, design calculations, drawings, design reports, and procurement specifications
Perform design calculations and develop equipment and material specifications, work procedures, testing procedures, and manuals
Coordinate and conduct site activities including field surveys, installation, and testing
Provide on‑site coordination, installation supervision, and test and commissioning support
Troubleshoot system issues, perform root cause analysis, develop repair plans, and communicate plans to project and operations staff
Develop and update technical documents to reflect changes and supplement information as needed
Communicate procedure and maintenance activity changes to site managers and operations staff; identify training needs as procedures evolve
Demonstrate flexibility in working hours to support critical project activities, overnight site work, and schedule‑driven requirements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Project Engineer, Field Engineer, Civil Engineer, Engineering Project Manager, Construction Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electro Mechanical, or similar role with strong experience in a similar role within an industrial, electromechanical, transit, aviation, trains/cargo, maritime, defense, aerospace, metro/subway/trains, railway, any guided transportation system, or related sector
Comfortable working overnight shifts and in active field/construction environments
Ability to travel 25–50%, including potential overnight travel to other U.S. project sites

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in project development: design, validation, installation, testing/commissioning, quality, and safety
Experience in project delivery and control including risk/issue management, contracts, and financial reporting
Root cause analysis skills and a systematic, methodical approach to problem‑solving
Experience managing and coordinating multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously
Experience preparing plans, specifications, and technical documentation
Ability to lead and facilitate meetings involving complex and detailed technical materials
Strong interpersonal skills — ability to build positive working relationships with staff, suppliers, and clients at all levels

Physical Demands

Regularly required to use hands, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Frequent standing, walking, and communication in active field environments. Regularly lifts up to 10 lbs; frequently up to 25 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs with assistance. Color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus required.