Project Manager - Railroad Civil Track Design

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.

About the role

Join the growing Civil Track team within the national Railroad Division at Benesch, where you will help lead complex rail infrastructure projects that are shaping and expanding transportation networks across the country. This team delivers high-impact work ranging from mainline and corridor track improvements to rail yard and terminal expansions, siding extensions, industrial track programs, and fast-paced design-build initiatives supporting both freight and commuter rail operations nationwide.

This role will support projects similar to Metra’s $100M UPRR West Line 3rd Main Track expansion program, which includes the addition of 7.8 miles of third mainline track through Chicago’s western suburbs. Project exposure may include multidisciplinary coordination tied to track design, bridge and retaining wall improvements, grading and drainage, station and parking lot reconstruction, roadway and waterway crossings, permitting, and right-of-way activities.

As a Project Manager for the Civil Track team, you will lead multidisciplinary rail projects, manage key client relationships, mentor engineering staff, and support business development efforts that help grow Benesch’s rail presence. Approximately 25% of this role focuses on relationship building, proposals, and market growth. This is more than a delivery role—it is an opportunity to help shape a high-performing rail team while supporting major freight and passenger rail clients. With a strong backlog and rising demand, this position is critical to advancing project delivery, expanding client partnerships, and driving long-term growth.

Location

This position offers hybrid flexibility in the following offices that support Railroad Track operations and business development: Omaha, NE; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Naperville, IL; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC. Fully remote arrangements may be considered for highly experienced candidates, though in-office collaboration is preferred when managing direct team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead railroad track design and infrastructure projects from planning through design and into construction support
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring high-quality delivery
• Serve as a seller-doer by building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and supporting proposal development
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Group Leaders across the national Railroad Division to balance resources and workload
• Mentor and guide engineering staff ranging from junior engineers to senior technical professionals
• Support major railroad clients while helping expand relationships with short-line and regional railroads
• Represent Benesch at industry events, conferences, and client meetings

Requirements

• Licensed Professional Engineer
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
• 12+ years of industry experience with at least 8 years focused on rail track design
• Proficiency with MicroStation and InRoads, OpenRoads, or OpenRail
• Experience managing scope, schedule, and budget on complex projects
• Strong client-facing experience with established industry relationships
• Experience supporting or leading proposal development
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical staff and review engineering drawings

Pay

Pay Range $110,000—$180,000 USD

Benefits

• Career growth with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward
• Up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees
• Flexible schedules that support work-life balance
• Generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees
• Mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one