Civil Engineer - Freight Rail Design

GFT • Houston, TX

53d • $80,000 - $115,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Civil Engineer, Freight Rail Design to join their Transportation Team. This role supports Midwest Area design and planning projects with an emphasis on Rail design. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to understand the application of engineering fundamentals on transportation engineering design projects for a variety of clients, particularly states, municipalities, and railroads. This position has the opportunity to grow into a Team Lead role within 6 months to 1 year, providing leadership over rail design staff. It is ideal for candidates looking to take on project management responsibilities while continuing to develop their technical expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 4 years' professional experience in rail design (freight, passenger, or intermodal projects preferred).
• Licensed Professional Engineer, or able to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency in MicroStation and/or OpenRail.
• Understanding of AREMA standards, Class I railroad design guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with public agencies, railroads, and private developers.
• Prior leadership experience or readiness to take on a lead design role.

Responsibilities

• Lead track and rail infrastructure design for freight railroads, intermodal facilities, and industrial rail projects.
• Develop plan and profile designs using MicroStation/OpenRail for new track alignments, industry track loops, yard expansions, and rehabilitation projects.
• Prepare horizontal and vertical alignment designs, turnout and crossover layouts, drainage considerations, and grading plans.
• Coordinate with Class I railroads (BNSF, UP, CN, CSX, KCS, etc.), public agencies, and private clients to meet project specifications.
• Perform site investigations, track geometry calculations, and constructability assessments.
• Work alongside civil, structural, and signal teams to integrate rail projects into broader transportation networks.
• Support permitting and compliance with AREMA standards and railroad engineering guidelines.
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct quality control (QC) reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level