Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader, Transit and Rail - Omaha, NE

About the role

The Transit and Rail Practice at David Evans and Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels in the intersection of design excellence, team development, and client partnership.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Serve as the lead civil designer on multidiscipline rail projects involving grading, utilities, drainage, erosion control, site development, access roads, and track geometry. Oversee design production from feasibility through final design and construction, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with Class I railroad standards, local codes, and client specifications.

• Project Delivery & Construction Documentation: Lead preparation and review of detailed construction plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and reports. Utilize Bentley OpenRail Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D to develop accurate, high-quality deliverables.

• Quality & Oversight: Conduct and manage technical reviews of plans, estimates, and calculations to uphold DEA’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures. Provide construction-phase support including submittal reviews, RFIs, and field observations to preserve design integrity.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Manage, mentor, and inspire a growing team of engineers and designers, supporting both technical development and career growth. Plan and allocate resources effectively, ensuring the right expertise is applied to each project.

• Client & Business Development: Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to key clients such as BNSF, UPRR, CPKC, and industry rail partners. Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and relationship-building efforts with new and existing clients. Collaborate with DEA leadership to grow the Freight Rail team and expand our service offerings.

• Collaboration & Field Engagement: Coordinate with structural, geotechnical, surveying, environmental, and architectural disciplines. Lead project meetings, site visits, and inspections to align field activities with design intent and stakeholder goals.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
  • 10+ years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on freight rail and land development.
  • Demonstrated success delivering projects for Class I railroads or industrial clients.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
  • Willingness and ability to travel periodically for site visits, client engagement, and business development.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in Bentley OpenRail, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Civil 3D.
  • Familiarity with Class I railroad standards (BNSF, UPRR, NS, CPKC).
  • Proven success in client management, winning work, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience mentoring junior staff and building high-functioning design teams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance

• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions

• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities

• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay

• Retirement: 401k plan

• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health

• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement

Potential Salary Range

$130,000 - $200,000

Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.