Track Engineering Technical Lead - Rail & Transit

AtkinsRéalis • New York, NY

5d

About The Position

Overview We are seeking a Track Engineering Technical Lead - Rail & Transit to join our team in New York, NY.Under general direction, provides leadership and technical oversight for trackwork construction across complex rail and transit programs. Responsible for the planning, delivery, integration, and verification of all permanent way elements-rail, ties/sleepers, ballast, subgrade, turnouts/special trackwork, drainage, and associated civil interfaces-ensuring compliance with operational, safety, and regulatory requirements. Serves as the construction management (CM) lead for the track scope, coordinating closely with design, systems (signals/TP/OCS), structures, utilities, and operations. Upholds engineering ethics and standards of conduct.Your role Lead CM for Trackwork: Plan and direct field execution of track construction, renewal, and rehabilitation, including alignment geometry, ballast placement, tamping, rail welding, stressing, grinding, surfacing, and turnout installation.Scope Definition & Delivery Planning: Establish Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), construction sequencing, access/possession plans, and track outage windows; coordinate with operations to minimize service impacts.Standards & Compliance: Ensure work conforms to applicable standards (e.g., AREMA, FRA Track Safety Standards, FTA, and owner-specific criteria) and project specifications; drive adherence to safety management systems and site HSE requirements.Interface Management: Align track construction with signals/communications, traction power/OCS, structures, stations, and civil works; manage hold-points for geometry verification, bonding/grounding, and signalling cutovers.Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Develop and enforce ITPs, inspection checklists, and test plans (e.g., geometry car runs, ultrasonic testing, weld qualifications); oversee material submittals, factory/plant inspections, and as-built documentation.Project Controls: Coordinate schedule (Primavera P6/MS Project), cost tracking, earned value, risk registers, and change control; provide monthly progress narratives and dashboards.Construction Documentation: Lead submittal/RFI workflows, field design clarifications, redlines, NCRs/CARs, and closeout packages; ensure configuration management of track assets.Contractor Oversight: Direct day-to-day activities of contractors and inspectors; verify labor compliance, SWPPP/erosion control, and housekeeping; resolve field issues and claims.Testing & Commissioning Support: Plan and witness pre-revenue tests (e.g., track geometry acceptance, signal interlocking verification, clearance checks); coordinate punch lists to completion.Stakeholder & Agency Liaison: Represent the program in meetings with client, operations/maintenance, regulatory bodies, utilities, and third parties; prepare briefings and technical presentations.Continuous Improvement: Monitor best practices in track construction methods, equipment, and materials; recommend improvements to plans, procedures, and standards.Other Duties: Perform related tasks assigned by the Project Director/CM Director consistent with role.Complexity : Work involves coordination, research and problem solving on a variety of engineering projects with unique or controversial problems, the solution of which has an important effect on major organization programs.Decision making: Supervision received is essentially administrative, with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Acts independently on technical matters relating to his/her field.Work direction given to others: Supervises and/or coordinates with other senior professionals and support staff.Internal contacts: Interfaces with senior technical professionals, technical managers, and administrative staff and managers as necessary.External contacts: Represents the organization in conferences with clients, prospective clients, and regulatory agencies.

Requirements

• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, or closely related field; M.S. preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in track engineering and construction, including delivery leadership for new build, rehabilitation, or capital renewal programs.
• Demonstrated success managing field execution, integration, and acceptance of special trackwork and mainline geometry under operational constraints.
• Experience with construction submittals/RFIs, QC/QA programs, and project controls on rail/transit projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in train control, signaling, and related safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with requirements management, asset configuration, and PMIS platforms (e.g., e-Builder, SharePoint).
• Strong technical writing and communications skills, proven through technical presentations, technical papers, and/or participation in technical committees.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AREMA, IEEE, FRA, FTA) and safety certification processes.
• Ability to process paper/electronic documents and utilize computer equipment; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to visit project sites if necessary.
• Job also requires ability to plan, prioritize and review project plans and documents, evaluate alternatives, and select appropriate solutions.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. preferred.
• P.E. license is desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead CM for Trackwork: Plan and direct field execution of track construction, renewal, and rehabilitation, including alignment geometry, ballast placement, tamping, rail welding, stressing, grinding, surfacing, and turnout installation.
• Scope Definition & Delivery Planning: Establish Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), construction sequencing, access/possession plans, and track outage windows; coordinate with operations to minimize service impacts.
• Standards & Compliance: Ensure work conforms to applicable standards (e.g., AREMA, FRA Track Safety Standards, FTA, and owner-specific criteria) and project specifications; drive adherence to safety management systems and site HSE requirements.
• Interface Management: Align track construction with signals/communications, traction power/OCS, structures, stations, and civil works; manage hold-points for geometry verification, bonding/grounding, and signalling cutovers.
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Develop and enforce ITPs, inspection checklists, and test plans (e.g., geometry car runs, ultrasonic testing, weld qualifications); oversee material submittals, factory/plant inspections, and as-built documentation.
• Project Controls: Coordinate schedule (Primavera P6/MS Project), cost tracking, earned value, risk registers, and change control; provide monthly progress narratives and dashboards.
• Construction Documentation: Lead submittal/RFI workflows, field design clarifications, redlines, NCRs/CARs, and closeout packages; ensure configuration management of track assets.
• Contractor Oversight: Direct day-to-day activities of contractors and inspectors; verify labor compliance, SWPPP/erosion control, and housekeeping; resolve field issues and claims.
• Testing & Commissioning Support: Plan and witness pre-revenue tests (e.g., track geometry acceptance, signal interlocking verification, clearance checks); coordinate punch lists to completion.
• Stakeholder & Agency Liaison: Represent the program in meetings with client, operations/maintenance, regulatory bodies, utilities, and third parties; prepare briefings and technical presentations.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor best practices in track construction methods, equipment, and materials; recommend improvements to plans, procedures, and standards.
• Other Duties: Perform related tasks assigned by the Project Director/CM Director consistent with role.

Benefits

• AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees