Rail Bridge Engineer

GFT is seeking a Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in one of our Southern California offices: Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Diego. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these offices.

About the role

Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel highway bridges to commuter, freight, or high-speed rail bridges. You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines, and transit agencies such as Merchant Bridge Replacement and Retrofit.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural bridge analysis and design utilizing current AREMA and owners’ design standards.
• Calculate structural quantities.
• Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges.
• Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans.
• Prepare work product with a focus on quality, presentation, thoroughness, and follow-through; conforming to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
• Assure the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
• Perform detailed checking of calculations and design drawings produced by others.
• Assist with CADD drawing development and production.
• Document and organize design calculations following GFT’s Quality Management Plan.
• Interpret changes in the contract and advise management on needed changes.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Travel for project-related work, including fieldwork conducting bridge inspections.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
• A minimum of 4 years' professional experience with an emphasis on structural design for Class I and transit bridge projects.
• Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) License.
• Structures design experience utilizing AREMA Manual for Railroad Engineering.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad bridge standards.
• Structural engineering background, knowledge of MicroStation, and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Team-oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), and experience with engineering design packages and structural analysis software systems such as LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, GROUP, RISA, or CSiBridge.
• Willingness to travel within the continental United States.
• Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Structural Engineer (S.E.).
• Master’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
• AREMA member and Committee 7, 8, 9, 10, or 15 member.
• Experience working directly with Class I railroads.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $108,000 - $150,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

About GFT

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships — that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.