Senior Field Engineer

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees design, construction, and administration of the agency's capital improvement program, including stations, parking facilities, tracks, and power systems.

As a Senior Field Engineer, you will lead complex railroad and civil construction projects, oversee field activities, and coordinate with contractors, Metra operations, and consultants to ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• PE license required in Illinois; strong civil/rail field engineering background.
• Experience delivering railroad/civil construction projects and managing field teams.
• Ability to interface with contractors, consultants, Metra operations, and municipal/state agencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities to ensure safety, quality, and adherence to plans.
• Serve as primary interface between contractors, consultants, Metra operations, and construction forces.
• Coordinate with railroad operations, maintenance and construction personnel to support project execution.
• Review plans, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and construction documents for accuracy and constructability.
• Monitor compliance with applicable QA/QC requirements and standards.
• Review contract modifications, change orders, and contractor pay applications.
• Respond to RFIs and ROCCs and support coordination with municipal/state agencies.
• Represent Metra as a technical SME in public meetings and grant-funded activities.
• Provide guidance on engineering and construction matters across the department.

Skills

Technical leadership

Civil/rail field engineering

Contractor coordination

Plan review & QA

Education

Professional Engineer License (IL)

Job description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

About the Department

The Capital Delivery Department oversees the planning, design, construction, and administration of Metra's capital improvement program. The department manages consultants and contractors responsible for delivering projects across the railroad system, including:

• Stations and parking facilities
• Structural and civil infrastructure
• Track and railroad facilities
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• Traction power systems
• Wayfinding and signage improvements
• The department also includes Project Management, Project Controls, Project Administration, and NEPA functions that support capital program delivery across the agency.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Field Engineer, you will serve as a key technical leader responsible for the successful delivery of complex railroad and civil construction projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing construction activities to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plans and specifications.
• Serving as the primary interface between contractors, consultants, Metra operational departments, and construction forces.
• Coordinating with railroad operations, maintenance teams, and construction personnel to support project execution.
• Reviewing plans, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and construction documents for accuracy and constructability.
• Monitoring compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) quality assurance and quality control requirements.
• Reviewing contract modifications, change orders, and contractor pay applications.
• Responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) and Records of Contractor Contact (ROCC).
• Coordinating activities with municipal agencies, state agencies, other railroads, utility providers, and adjacent property owners.
• Supporting track construction, surveying, construction layout, and field engineering activities.
• Representing Metra as a technical subject matter expert during public meetings, stakeholder discussions, and grant-funded project activities.
• Providing guidance and support on engineering and construction matters across the department.

Preferences:

• State of Illinois registered Professional Engineer license.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.