Sr. Project Engineer, Rail Bridge

GFT is seeking a Sr. Project Engineer - Rail Bridge to join our Transportation Team in Texas! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Texas offices located in Austin, Fort Worth or Houston, Texas.

Working on the at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all​.

What you'll be challenged to do:

This role includes structural design, rehabilitation, and inspection of bridges and other structures along with the preparation of load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates. In addition, duties may include construction inspection services. Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to travel for projects, the ability to work in the field conducting bridge inspections and must be able to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Perform structural bridge design utilizing current AREMA design standards. Calculate structural quantities.
• Candidate will be responsible for the overall project management, the design of projects, reports, load ratings, and plans, monitoring and adhering to budgets and schedules, performing QC or QA reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and working with other staff in completing projects.
• Perform detailed checking of calculations and design drawings produced by others.
• Assist with CADD drawing development and production.
• Interpret changes in the contract and advise management on the changes needed.
• May be asked to participate in non-design engineering activities such as construction inspection and field data collection. May perform bridge inspections for highway and railway bridges.
• Keep Senior Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
• Develop and present proposals to clients in association with the Client Leaders.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Be willing to travel within the continental United States.

What you'll bring to our firm:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in design and/or management of rail or railroad focused projects.
• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer ( in Texas
• Structures design experience utilizing AREMA manual for Railroad Engineering.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad bridge standards.
• Structural engineering background, knowledge of Microstation and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
• Team oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, , and experience with engineering design packages such as MicroStation and other structural analysis software systems such as Bluebeam Revu, LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, GROUP, RISA or CSiBridge.
• Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.

What we prefer you bring:

• Master’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
• Experience working directly with Class I railroads.
• AREMA member and Committee 8, 9 or 15 members.
• NHI 2-Week course – Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridge.

Compensation:The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $165,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.Featured Benefits: • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location: Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Houston, TX
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

#LI-SS1

#LI-HYBRID