Structural Engineer – Railroad Design & Review

Benesch; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with profit sharing

Paid time off and holidays

Life insurance

Short/long-term disability

Job summary

Benesch is seeking a Structural Engineer – Railroad Design & Review to join a national team. The role supports review of bridges, grade separations, and rail infrastructure, ensuring designs meet standards and project requirements.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, perform structural analyses, and participate in field inspections as needed. A Civil Eng degree with a structural focus and 2–5 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis or Structural Engineering.
• 2–5 years of structural engineering experience, preferably bridge/transport infrastructure.
• Familiarity with AREMA MRE; EIT preferred; PE licensure a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review structural plans, calculations, specs, and submittals for bridges and rail projects.
• Evaluate designs for compliance with railroad engineering standards and criteria.
• Assess construction staging and methods for impacts to structures and operations.
• Identify technical concerns and craft actionable review comments for resolution.
• Collaborate with railroad reps, engineers, and contractors to support delivery.
• Participate in structural analysis and design tasks; develop calculations and plans.
• Perform occasional field inspections and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Structural engineering

Bridge design

AREMA familiarity

EIT certification

PE licensure

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Microsoft Office

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering (Structural)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!

Structural Engineer – Railroad Design & Review

At Benesch, we're proud of the strength, expertise, and reputation of our Railroad Division. As our largest division and a nationally connected team, we've built strong relationships with major Class I, short line, and commuter railroads across the country. Our team brings together talented professionals with deep industry knowledge, a shared commitment to technical excellence, and a passion for delivering engineering solutions that make a lasting impact on our nation's railroad infrastructure. Our national reach, diverse project experience, and collaborative approach create opportunities for engineers to learn from experienced professionals, take on meaningful technical challenges, and build rewarding careers in an industry that plays an essential role in keeping America moving.

Location

This position offers a hybrid work schedule and is available in our Omaha and Bellevue, NE; Chicago and Naperville, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Ohio; Jacksonville, FL; and Denver, CO offices.

The Impact You Will Have

• Review structural plans, calculations, specifications, and technical submittals for railroad bridges, grade separations, and other projects affecting railroad infrastructure and operations.
• Evaluate proposed designs for compliance with applicable railroad engineering standards, design criteria, and project requirements.
• Assess construction staging, temporary works, demolition plans, and construction methods to identify potential impacts to railroad structures and active operations.
• Identify technical concerns and potential construction challenges, developing clear, actionable review comments to support their resolution.
• Collaborate with railroad representatives, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders to resolve technical challenges and support successful project delivery.
• Participate in structural analysis and design assignments, including the development of calculations, engineering plans, specifications, and technical deliverables.
• Perform occasional structural field inspections and prepare associated technical reports.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a structural engineering emphasis or a degree in Structural Engineering.
• 2–5 years of structural engineering experience, preferable involving bridge design, structural analysis, transportation infrastructure, or technical design reviews.
• Working knowledge of structural engineering principles, including steel and concrete design, foundations, and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) is preferred; an interest in developing railroad engineering expertise is encouraged.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate technical information and identify practical solutions.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to engineers, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Willingness to travel occasionally based on project needs.

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The final agreed‑upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Benefits:

Our benefits package is designed to take care of our employees. Benesch offers a generous paid time benefits plan that increases throughout your career plus several paid holidays. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision benefits. We also include company-paid life insurance, short term, and long‑term disability plans. Benesch offers a 401K plan and profit‑sharing contributions to the 401K plan. From insurance and retirement plan to our wellness programs, we provide employee benefits that meet your wants and needs.

Colorado Pay Range

$31—$45 USD

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the State of Illinois Pay Transparency Act, Illinois Pay Transparency Law. The final agreed‑upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.

Illinois Pay Range

$31—$45 USD

Why Benesch?

It’s simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

Your next opportunity should do more than offer a new title. It should build on the experience you've gained, challenge you to keep growing, and give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where you can contribute your ideas, develop your skills, and build a career you're proud of.

• Real career growth: Professional development, leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to take on new challenges and greater responsibility.
• A strong financial future: Up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit‑eligible employees.
• Flexibility that works: Work schedules that support your professional and personal life.
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit‑eligible employees.
• Work that makes an impact: Opportunities to collaborate, contribute ideas, solve meaningful challenges, and see the difference your work makes.
• Room to grow your way: Whether you want to deepen your expertise, explore new opportunities, or grow into leadership, we want to help you take the next step.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, Benesch offers an opportunity to build on what you've accomplished while continuing to grow.

Bring your experience, your ideas, and your ambition. Discover what you can accomplish at Benesch.

Explore our full benefits here: Click here

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [e-mail]. This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case‑by‑case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

Know your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is found.

External Recruiters and Staffing Agencies

Benesch shall have no obligation to compensate any external recruiter or search firm for candidate submissions made without a valid, current, and fully executed agreement. Submission of candidate information does not establish entitlement to a fee.

All recruiting activity must be coordinated and authorized through the Benesch Talent Acquisition team. Please direct all communications to [e-mail]