Freight Rail Track Engineer

GFT. • Omaha, NE

5d • $80,000 - $115,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is hiring a Freight Rail Track Engineer for its Transportation Team and Midwest Design Team. The position may be based in Kansas City, Missouri, or Omaha, Nebraska, and follows a hybrid work model that requires regular attendance at one of those offices. The role supports Midwest design and planning projects, with an emphasis on rail design for transportation clients including states, municipalities, and railroads.

The engineer will lead track and rail infrastructure design for freight railroads, intermodal facilities, and industrial rail projects. Work includes developing plan and profile designs in MicroStation/OpenRail; designing alignments, turnouts, crossovers, drainage, and grading; coordinating with railroads, public agencies, and private clients; and carrying out site investigations, track geometry calculations, and constructability assessments. The role also collaborates with civil, structural, and signal teams, supports permitting and standards compliance, and contributes to quality reviews, best practices, and mentoring junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in rail design.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with freight, passenger, or intermodal rail projects.

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, public agencies, and private clients to meet project specifications.
• Perform site investigations, track geometry calculations, and constructability assessments.
• Work with 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 reviews, and help develop best practices for rail design.

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.

What This Job Offers

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