Senior Rail Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Rail Engineer to join our Transportation Business Group in either our Charlotte or Raleigh office. The ideal candidate will take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of commuter, shortline, freight, transit and class-one rail projects. They will serve as Discipline or Task Lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects, and support other office, the Freight Rail Market Sector, and other market sectors as needed.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of commuter, shortline, freight, transit and class-one rail projects.
• Serve as Discipline or Task Lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects, and support other office, the Freight Rail Market Sector, and other market sectors as needed.
• Manage scope, budget, and schedule.
• Cook up planning and environmental processes, manage the assembly of plans, specifications, construction estimate packages.
• Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or designing activities that have significant impact on major company programs.
• Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.
• Provide leadership across technical disciplines.
• Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of projects.
• Be able to plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians.
• Mentor younger staff and support technical development.
• Supervise junior staff performance of engineering tasks.
• Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed; project management is not sole focus of position.
• Support Project Managers by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities.
• Support Project Managers by leading or participating in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.
• Attend industry events and represent HDR as needed.
• Serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to become licensed as a P.E. in additional jurisdictions through the NCEES or similar
• Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) and other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and design criteria
• Proven, hands-on experience in all aspects of rail and/or civil design projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects through design and production through coordination with other disciplines and production staff
• Project Management experience managing projects for rail, industrial or transit clients
• Demonstrated client development or client management experience, local candidates are preferred
• Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus
• Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public is desirable

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered.
• Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
• Proficient with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer/OpenRoads Designer, and/or AutoCAD and Civil3D
• Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects
• Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and more. HDR is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position is full-time.

Business Class

Railway Design

Job Posting

Apr 2, 2026

Company Beliefs

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life.

Our Commitment

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. We are committed to the principles of employment equity and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected.