Technical Specialist, Railway and Civil

Rail And Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, authority and state Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

We provide value by first understanding our clients' needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.

With a base in our local office in Alexandria, VA as part of a hybrid work environment, Michael Baker is seeking a talented Technical Specialist, Railway and Civil with a specialization in Signaling and Communications, to help make a difference in our Rail and Transit Practice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience with Automatic Train Control technology, conventional Train Control technology, Communication and Radio Systems, Rail Service and Maintenance Operations and Railway Wayside Infrastructure and be able to support projects and offices across the country for railroads, transit agencies, and DOTs.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviews project proposal or plan to determine scope, time frame, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of project.
• Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project and arranges for recruitment or assignment of project personnel.
• Develops/implements project plans/methodologies for complex projects, varying between single and multi-discipline practices.
• Confers with project staff to outline workplan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority; manages the resources of the project.
• Leverages project successes to win future projects.
• Confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems.
• Coordinates project activities with other railroad departments and projects
• Coordinates project activities with government agencies as required.
• Conducts safety meetings and training programs to ensure safety requirements are met.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes project files. Organizes and maintains file system and files correspondence and other records for inclusion in reports or presentation materials and memorialization.
• Builds intimate familiarity with transit and railroad standards, manuals, and policies
• Reviews project design and contract plans and specifications for conformance with client technical requirements
• Attends on site or virtual meetings with client representatives as required
• Mentors and trains other staff in track design and related civil design services
• Provides quality reviews on plans, specifications and estimates
• Provides detailed monthly and on demand project accounting and status reporting
• Obtains all required railroad safety certifications and trainings and support safety initiatives
• Other duties as assigned.

**Occasional to moderate travel may be required.

Professional Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering or related field required.
• PE license preferred
• 15+ years of demonstrated experience in design, construction, maintenance, oversight and operations with a transit or railroad specialization required.
• Project experience and relationships with Class I Railroads and/or regional or local Rail and Transit agencies required.
• Familiarity with APTA standards
• Knowledge of rail agency standards
• Project experience with local transit agencies and their standards desired
• Ability to travel to other office and job site locations in the region
• Experience in construction phase services
• Experience in working on multiple projects concurrently, managing project deadlines and on-time submittals
• Experience with office software and CADD software
• Possess client management skills and ability to develop and enhance solid client relationships
• Ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and problem-solving ability
• Strong work ethic and integrity

What Would Make Me Stand Out As A Candidate?

• Proven rail technical experience, knowledge of rail systems, wayside systems, track design, and safety regulations
• Demonstrated ability to manage, plan, organize, and oversee various aspects of rail engineering projects simultaneously.
• Possess strong initiative and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative approach to project development and communication with project team members, clients, and contractors
• Strong relationships with local transit agencies and understanding of coordination requirements and preferences
• Experience with construction management and document control for rail construction
• Willingness and ability to mentor next generation of rail engineers on best practices, resources, and rail operations.

Compensation: The approximate compensation range for this position is $137,000- $147,000 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.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 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