Assistant Resident Engineer

About Zephyr Rail

Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned Zweig Group’s recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for three consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.

Job Summary

As an Assistant Resident Engineer, you will work under the direction of a Resident Engineer or Construction Manager to support the administration of construction contracts on complex rail and transit projects. Your role blends field inspection with office-based contract administration, including reviewing the work of owner, agency, and contractor forces for compliance with governing specifications, monitoring materials and methods, and verifying finished work prior to acceptance. You will ensure accurate measurement and payment, maintain complete project documentation, and proactively identify and help resolve contract issues, including preparing change orders. This position offers a strong path toward Resident Engineer responsibilities on multi-million-dollar transit and transportation projects.

Responsibilities

• Observe contractor operations and traffic conditions to ensure the safety of agency and contractor employees and the traveling public; recommend and implement corrective action as needed.
• Review contractor operations for compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations.
• Direct that contract records, construction progress, job expenditures, budget programs, and work order balances are maintained accurately and on time in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Monitor contractors for compliance with plans, work quality, and construction activity.
• Assist with day-to-day administration of construction contracts, including:
  • Setting up pre-construction meetings
  • Reviewing contractor correspondence and inquiries
  • Participating in weekly contractor status meetings
  • Coordinating with partnering agencies
  • Generating subcontractor requests and other required forms
  • Assisting with weekly statements of working days
  • Coordinating with functional units for construction support
  • Assisting with project kickoff and closeout meetings
• Perform inspections to ensure compliance with contract plans and specifications across all phases of construction, including paving, grading, earthwork, drainage, sewer structures, utility relocations, electrical installations, sign installations, and landscaping.
• Develop practical, effective solutions to field issues and contract deficiencies.
• Prepare contract change orders for changes to plans and specifications, including alterations, deviations, additions, or deletions.
• Research and develop solutions for field conditions that require a change order, including any necessary engineering redesign work.
• Identify the need for and prepare contract-related documents for submission to the contractor.
• Review CPM schedules; identify and help mitigate project risks; complete a project daily diary of activities and progress discussions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely project records; perform quantity calculations and prepare progress pay estimates.
• Assist with preparing and submitting monthly progress pay estimates, ensuring compliance with all contract documents.
• Assist in assessing and preparing contract change orders.
• Assist the Resident Engineer in reviewing project schedules, resolving contractor disputes, and administering the claims process.
• Monitor and manage quantity tracking.
• Review shop drawings and assist with constructability reviews for proposed projects.
• Participate in job-related training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is required.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in construction or construction management for transit projects.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Rail experience (track, systems, or facilities) preferred.
• Contractor-side experience (Project Manager, Superintendent, Engineer) is desirable.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

 

Salary Range - $140,000 - $165,000

Benefits

Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision premiums, 401(k) Plan (with company match), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Disability Insurance, Educational Assistance and Licensure Support, Performance-based Bonuses, Service Awards.

How to Apply

We're excited to hear from you! Feel free to apply directly on our careers page or learn more about the opportunities at If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, don't hesitate to send your resume to View email address on us.fitly.work. We would be pleased to consider you as a potential new member of our passionate team!

At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Note to Recruiters and Job Placement Agencies
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from recruiters or agencies. We will consider any unsolicited resumes we receive as our property and will process them accordingly. We will only consider direct applicants.

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