Track Design Engineer

GFT; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Rail Civil Designer to join our Transportation Team in Kansas City, MO. This hybrid role requires regular office presence in Kansas City, MO and involves designing rail and multi‑modal transportation projects with emphasis on durable, sustainable solutions.

The candidate will prepare construction documents, develop track alignments in MicroStation/OpenRail, and collaborate with project managers, engineers and clients.

Qualifications

• ABET‑accredited civil engineering degree.
• FE exam and civil engineering licensure considered a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of professional civil engineering rail design experience.
• Familiarity with MicroStation or OpenRail Designer and MS Office.
• Ability to read plans and shop drawings and evaluate contractor compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction documents using MicroStation/OpenRail.
• Develop horizontal and vertical designs for rail projects.
• Assist with cost estimation and budgeting tasks.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and signaling teams and with clients.

Skills

Strong communication

Public agency coordination

Rail design experience

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

FE exam

Tools

MicroStation/OpenRail

Microsoft Office

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Rail Civil Designer to join our Transportation Team in Kansas City, MO. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Kansas City, MO office. 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, 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 position will include civil engineering design, construction document preparation including CAD design, specifications and estimates for a variety of projects such as rail, road, airport infrastructure, coastal development, site development, storm water management and utilities. Day-to-day assignments and technical guidance will be directed by current staff Project Managers. The role will also involve coordination with clients, subcontractors, vendors and personnel across GFT offices. Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills. GFT appreciates the importance of work‑life balance and offers flexible work schedules and environments.

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

• Preparation of construction documents using MicroStation/OpenRail.
• Develop horizontal and vertical designs using MicroStation/OpenRail for new track alignments, industry track loops, yard expansions, rehabilitation projects with drainage considerations and grading plans.
• Assist others in preparing probable cost of construction or other cost estimating tasks.
• 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.
• Receive instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam.
• Minimum of 2 years’ professional civil engineering rail design experience.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and MicroStation or OpenRail Designer.
• Competent in reading plans and shop drawings, and evaluating contractor compliance with construction plans and specifications.
• Team‑oriented engineer with strong communication skills, well organized and good time‑management practices.
• Ability to work with public agencies, railroads, and private developers.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Strong communication skills and an ability to work with public agencies, railroads and private developers.
• Active engagement of multiple perspectives when solving problems and a willingness to learn from peers.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000 – $88,000. 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 and pet insurance, in addition to 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, creating the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for thousands of industry professionals.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives 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

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

Employment Status: Full‑Time

GFT requires the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.