Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader, Transit and Rail - Denver, CO

RPMGlobal; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

RPMGlobal is seeking a Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader to join our Transit and Rail Group, focused on freight rail projects. This role requires a depth of experience in civil engineering and project leadership, with responsibilities including design, mentoring teams, and engaging with clients. If you are passionate about impacting rail infrastructure and leading teams to success, we invite you to apply and be part of our innovative environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Insurance

Wellness Support

Generous PTO and holiday pay

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement and training

Collaborative and supportive culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering, focused on freight rail.
• Demonstrated success with Class I railroads or industrial clients.
• Willingness to travel for site visits and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil design for rail projects from feasibility to construction.
• Oversee technical reviews and ensure compliance with standards.
• Mentor and manage engineering teams to enhance technical development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

Bentley OpenRail

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader – Freight Rail

Location Options: Omaha, NE | Tacoma, WA | Salt Lake City, UT | Portland, OR | Denver, CO
Salary Range: $130,000–$200,000 (DOE & Location)
Schedule: Flexible Hybrid Schedule | 9/80 Option (Every Other Friday Off)

Lead the Next Generation of Freight Rail Infrastructure

David Evans and Associates Inc. (DEA) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader to join our Transit and Rail Group, focusing on freight rail projects. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, team development, and client partnership. You'll have the opportunity to shape impactful rail infrastructure while guiding a high-performing team from conceptual design through to construction support.

As part of our collaborative and client-focused culture, you’ll work with major freight carriers, ports, and industrial clients to develop innovative, constructible, and sustainable rail solutions.

What You’ll Do

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the lead civil designer on multidiscipline rail projects involving grading, utilities, drainage, erosion control, site development, access roads, and track geometry.
• Oversee design production from feasibility through final design and construction, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with Class I railroad standards, local codes, and client specifications.

Project Delivery & Construction Documentation

• Lead preparation and review of detailed construction plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and reports.
• Utilize Bentley OpenRail Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D to develop accurate, high-quality deliverables.

Quality & Oversight

• Conduct and manage technical reviews of plans, estimates, and calculations to uphold DEA’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Provide construction-phase support including submittal reviews, RFIs, and field observations to preserve design integrity.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a growing team of engineers and designers, supporting both technical development and career growth.
• Plan and allocate resources effectively, ensuring the right expertise is applied to each project.

Client & Business Development

• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to key clients such as BNSF, UPRR, CPKC, and industry rail partners.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and relationship-building efforts with new and existing clients.
• Collaborate with DEA leadership to grow the Freight Rail team and expand our service offerings.

Collaboration & Field Engagement

• Coordinate with structural, geotechnical, surveying, environmental, and architectural disciplines.
• Lead project meetings, site visits, and inspections to align field activities with design intent and stakeholder goals.

What Sets You Apart

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on freight rail and land development.
• Demonstrated success delivering projects for Class I railroads or industrial clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for site visits, client engagement, and business development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Bentley OpenRail, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Civil 3D.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad standards (BNSF, UPRR, NS, CPKC).
• Proven success in client management, winning work, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and building high-functioning design teams.
• Preference given to candidates based in or near Texas or strategic client regions.

Why Join DEA?

At DEA, we are engineers, planners, surveyors, and scientists united by a shared vision: to improve our communities through thoughtful, forward-thinking infrastructure. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we’re invested in your growth—and your success is our success.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life
• Wellness Support: Health Savings & Lifestyle Spending Accounts with employer contributions
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, holiday pay, and flexible 9/80 schedule
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) with company match
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement, training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities
• Inclusive Culture: Collaborative, supportive environment driven by integrity, innovation, and ownership

About DEA’s Transit and Rail Group

Our Transit and Rail Group is a trusted partner to public and private rail clients, delivering integrated solutions for both freight and passenger rail systems. With in-house civil, structural, and transportation engineers, surveyors, and environmental experts, we provide full-service support from planning through construction. We help railroads, ports, and industrial clients meet growing demand with smart, cost-effective infrastructure that moves people and goods more efficiently.

Ready to lead the future of rail with purpose and impact?
Apply today to join DEA and build the infrastructure that moves tomorrow.

DEA is proud to be an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, such as race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Potential office locations include: Denver, CO; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; Bryan/College Station, TX; Dallas, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Tacoma, WA.