Senior Engineer - Transit and Rail

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB) seeks a Senior Engineer in Transit and Rail in Boston to lead civil design on railroad and rail transit projects, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with clients and regulators.

You will develop designs, prepare specifications, cost estimates, and schedules, and support procurement and construction. The role requires 11+ years of rail experience and PE licensure, with strong communication and software skills.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of railroad and rail transit engineering design.
• Understanding AREMA recommended practices and design requirements.
• Experience with track, station, layover facility and civil engineering.
• PE licensure is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform civil design on rail projects including track, drainage, alignment geometry, stations, MOE and MOW yards.
• Support project development from conceptual to final designs and documentation.
• Develop specifications, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Prepare technical reports and analysis.
• Assist in the development of construction bid documents and provide design support during construction.
• Lead, mentor and train junior staff.
• Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to discuss design/permitting needs.
• Project task financial performance and management of projects.
• Work in a multi-discipline environment with engineers, environmental scientists, and landscape architects.

Skills

Technical design

Communication

MS Office

MicroStation/AutoCAD

Education

PE Licensure

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Information

• Job Locations: US-MA-Boston
• ID: 2026-6371
• Category: Engineering
• Type: Regular Full-Time
• Career Stage Type: Experienced
• # of Openings: 1

About the Position

VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real-world solutions that enhance connectivity and support community development. The company's comprehensive services encompass funding, design, permitting, construction planning, and operations, thus providing end-to-end solutions for transit and rail projects.

The Senior Engineer - Transit and Rail, will be part of a design team supporting a variety of railroad and rail transit projects. The candidate should have expertise and experience in the railroad and/or rail transit industry and a desire to grow in the business.

Responsibilities

• Perform civil design on a variety of rail projects including track structure and drainage, alignment geometry, grade crossings, stations, layover facilities, and maintenance of equipment (MOE) and maintenance of way (MOW) yards
• Support the Project Development process including preparation of conceptual, preliminary and final level designs and supporting documentation
• Develop specifications, cost estimates, and project schedules
• Prepare technical reports and analysis
• Assist in the development of construction bid documents
• Provide design support services during construction
• Work effectively and collaboratively in a multi-discipline team environment
• Work independently with integrated teams of engineers, environmental scientists, and landscape architects in developing site/civil engineering plans and specifications for a multitude and public and private projects
• Lead, mentor and train junior staff
• Project task financial performance, and management of projects
• Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to establish their needs and discuss design/permitting issues

Skills and Attributes

• Strong technical design skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and analytical skills
• Strong capability in the use of computer applications including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Experience with the MicroStation CADD platform is preferred but candidates with AutoCAD experience and the desire to learn MicroStation will be considered

Qualifications

• 11+ years of experience in railroad and/or rail transit and engineering design
• Clear understanding of railroad and rail transit design requirements including AREMA recommended practices
• Understanding of and relationships in the transportation agencies market
• Familiarity with track, station, layover facility and general civil engineering
• PE Licensure

The full-time annual base salary range for this position is $145,000 to $200,000. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

Annual base salary is one component of VHB's Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.

Details on VHB's benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist

VHB has been named a U.S. Best Managed Company for 2026, marking its second consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. VHB, was honored for excellence in strategy, execution, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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