Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader, Transit and Rail - Tacoma, WA.

Description

• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to key clients such as BNSF, UPRR, CPKC, and industry rail partners.
• Manage, mentor, and inspire a growing team of engineers and designers, supporting both technical development and career growth.
• Collaborate with DEA leadership to grow the Freight Rail team and expand our service offerings.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and relationship-building efforts with new and existing clients.
• Provide construction-phase support including submittal reviews, RFIs, and field observations to preserve design integrity.
• Lead preparation and review of detailed construction plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and reports.
• Coordinate with structural, geotechnical, surveying, environmental, and architectural disciplines.
• Utilize Bentley OpenRail Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D to develop accurate, high-quality deliverables.
• Lead project meetings, site visits, and inspections to align field activities with design intent and stakeholder goals.
• Oversee design production from feasibility through final design and construction, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with Class I railroad standards, local codes, and client specifications.
• Conduct and manage technical reviews of plans, estimates, and calculations to uphold DEA’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Plan and allocate resources effectively, ensuring the right expertise is applied to each project.
• Serve as the lead civil designer on multidiscipline rail projects involving grading, utilities, drainage, erosion control, site development, access roads, and track geometry.

Requirements

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Demonstrated success delivering projects for Class I railroads or industrial clients.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for site visits, client engagement, and business development.
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on freight rail and land development.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and building high-functioning design teams.
• Proven success in client management, winning work, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Preference given to candidates based in or near Texas or strategic client regions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad standards (BNSF, UPRR, NS, CPKC).
• Proficiency in Bentley OpenRail, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Civil 3D.

Benefits

• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Potential salary range: $130,000 - $200,000
• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance