Senior Track Engineer

About the role

Lochner is seeking an experienced Senior Track Engineer to lead the planning, design, rehabilitation, and maintenance support of railroad track infrastructure projects throughout Illinois and across the nation. This role requires technical leadership in track geometry, rail systems, alignment, track drainage, and construction phasing for freight, passenger, commuter, or transit rail projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of railroad track systems, including: Horizontal and vertical alignments, Turnouts and crossovers, Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems, Yard and siding layouts, At-grade crossings
• Prepare and review: Construction drawings, Technical specifications, Engineering calculations, Cost estimates, Bid documents and design reports
• Perform track geometry analysis and develop rehabilitation or maintenance recommendations
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to deliver safe, cost-effective, and compliant rail infrastructure solutions
• Coordinate with civil, structural, drainage, signal, and transportation engineering teams
• Provide technical oversight for rail improvement, expansion, and rehabilitation projects
• Support construction activities through: Shop drawing reviews, RFIs and submittals, Site inspections, Field engineering support
• Ensure compliance with: FRA regulations, AREMA standards, State DOT requirements, Client design standards
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and business development activities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of railroad or track engineering experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required or ability to obtain in Illinois
• Strong knowledge of: AREMA standards, Railroad design practices, Track alignment and geometry, Rail construction methods, Track maintenance principles
• Experience using engineering software such as: AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRail Designer, GIS and survey tools
• Strong project management and communication skills
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout Illinois and neighboring states as needed

Qualifications

• Metra experience preferred
• Experience with Class I railroads, commuter rail, or transit agencies
• Design-build project experience
• PMP certification or project management experience
• Familiarity with rail yard design and drainage systems
• Experience leading multidisciplinary transportation projects