Rail Construction Inspector

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR’s Transportation Business Group seeks a Rail Construction Inspection Coordinator to shape safety‑driven systems for freight rail projects. The role supports delivery in collaboration with clients, designers, and construction management teams.

Responsibilities include reviewing plans, coordinating field activities, and traveling to project sites. A PE license or ability to obtain within 12 months and 3+ years’ experience are preferred. Travel and varied shifts expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; candidates with 8 years of relevant construction inspection experience may substitute experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction inspection or related field.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Proven problem‑solving and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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 extensively to project locations for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Support 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.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate with multi‑disciplinary teams to manage workloads throughout the project.

Skills

Problem‑solving

Documentation

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Professional Engineer’s license

Tools

MicroStation

InRoads

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Job Overview

As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, the Rail Construction Inspection Coordinator will help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. The role is key to HDR’s freight rail construction management team, supporting the delivery of rail construction projects in collaboration with clients, designers, and construction management teams.

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 extensively to project locations for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Support 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, coordinate and adjust work effort with the team.
• Monitor contractor quality documents (QC test reports, contractor Quality Management Plans (QMP), material certifications, testing equipment calibrations, material supplier information, etc.).
• Track submittals and requests for information (RFIs) including tracking of submission dates, version control, response dates, and comment tracking.
• Monitor storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) compliance.
• Ensure 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 documenting 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.
• Perform some night, holiday, and weekend work, and be willing to work as‑needed on these occasions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 career in construction management for Class I railroads.
• Knowledge of and prior 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 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.
• Local candidates are preferred.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (candidates with 8 years of relevant construction inspection experience may substitute experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Proficiency 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 in HDR’s employee‑owned culture.
• Adherence to HDR’s Drug and Alcohol Policy; a drug screen may be required prior to hire and thereafter, based on client requirements and applicable laws.
• Position includes some night, holiday, and weekend work; willingness to work as‑needed on these occasions.
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

Location

United States – Georgia – Atlanta

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class: Field Services – Non‑FAR / Negotiated

Employment Equity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.