Rail Construction Inspector

HDR; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Atlanta is seeking a Rail Construction Inspector to manage railroad construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 3 years' experience, and proficiency in relevant software like MicroStation and AutoCAD. This role focuses on inspecting quality and compliance in construction operations across multiple projects. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant construction inspection experience.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook).
• Commitment to employee safety and adherence to drug policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage all field aspects of rail construction projects.
• Serve as internal support for rail construction projects.
• Track Contractor Quality Documents and monitor compliance.

Skills

Problem-solving

Documentation

Teamwork

Independent Work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

MicroStation

Inroads

AutoCAD

Job description

Join to apply for the Rail Construction Inspector role at HDR

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe transportation is more than movement; it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

We invite you to build your transportation career at HDR. Our global team is looking for a success‑oriented Rail Construction Inspection Coordinator who will be a key player in HDR’s freight rail construction management team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage all field aspects of the delivery of rail construction projects with clients, designers, and construction management teams.
• Serve as the internal support and client point of contact for assigned rail construction projects.
• Review and verify rail construction plans, specifications, schedules, and estimate packages.
• Travel to project locations for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Support the construction management services to grow and develop construction management teams.
• Serve as a technical expert in the development and execution of construction activities for major company programs.
• Participate in the development of marketing, contractual, and production documents and meetings, including project scope, budget, and schedule, and the development of cost estimates based on design criteria, project guides, and project controls.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate with technical, clerical, and subconsultant professionals on multi‑disciplinary teams to manage and/or coordinate workloads throughout the entire project.
• Track financial aspects of projects and coordinate and adjust work effort with the team.
• Monitor Contractor Quality Documents (QC test reports, contractor Quality Management Plan (QMP), material certifications, testing equipment calibrations, material supplier information, etc.).
• Track submittals and requests for information (RFI) including tracking of submission dates, version control, response dates, and comment tracking.
• Monitor storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) compliance.
• Understand and monitor for compliance with FRA 49 CFR 214 – Roadway Worker rules, FRA 49 CFR 219 – Control of Alcohol and Drug Use rules, and eRailSafe.
• Generate daily and weekly work reports including documentation of the contractor and subcontractor activities.
• Participate in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections.
• Apply industry experience to strengthen the team to deliver excellent technical work.
• Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.
• Position will include some night, holiday, and weekend work, and qualified candidates must be willing to work as‑needed on these occasions.

Preferred Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
• Professional Engineer’s license or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Demonstrated and established career in construction management for Class I railroads.
• Knowledge of and prior working experience with railroad/transit planning, inspection, construction management, railroad alignment, special trackwork, grading, culvert, bridges, grade crossing, and grade separation projects.
• Software proficiency in MicroStation, Inroads, and AutoCAD.
• Experience with topographic field surveying (GPS and/or Total Station).
• Familiarity with local freight client design manuals for public projects.
• Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering and/or other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria.
• Expertise with freight rail client guidelines, policies, and practices for construction management services (from pre‑construction through close‑out).
• SWPPP SWP Certificate (QSD preferred).
• Experience with rail, industrial, or transit clients is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. (Candidates with 8 years of relevant construction inspection experience may substitute experience for a high school diploma).
• Minimum of 3 years experience.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook).
• Proven problem‑solving and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.
• HDR's Drug and Alcohol Policy supports our commitment to employee safety and exceeding client requirements. The policy prohibits the use of drugs or alcohol while on HDR or client premises, or while otherwise engaged in HDR business. This position may require a successful drug screening prior to hire and thereafter, based on client requirements and applicable law.
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.>

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States – Georgia – Atlanta

Industry

Freight Rail

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Construction Services (HDRE)

Job Posting

Nov 12, 2025

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management, Consulting, and Engineering

Industries

Civil Engineering, Truck Transportation, and Environmental Services

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories,, and conviction records.