Office Engineer - Rail

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker is adding an Office Engineer to our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, VA!  In this role, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects by applying your professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities, and you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Rail design teams, construction staff, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to help deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality rail projects across all phases of project delivery.

What You'll Do:

• Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces


• Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates


• Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout design and construction phases


• Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements


• Apply railroad and transit standards, including AREMA, FRA, and client‑specific guidelines, during project execution


• Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts


• Respond to RFIs and provide engineering support during construction


• Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third‑party stakeholders


• Help ensure that designs and construction support activities meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives


• Maintain organized and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

What You Need to Succeed:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.


• A minimum of 6 years professional civil engineering experience supporting rail infrastructure initiatives and projects (preferably for freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems)


• Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation


• A strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods


• Excellent communication, coordination, problem‑solving and client-facing skills


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $84,000-$110,000 per year. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance


• 401k Retirement Plan


• Health Savings Account (HSA)


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability


• Professional and personal development


• Generous paid time off


• Commuter and wellness benefits