Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader, Transit and Rail

Location Options: Omaha, NE | Tacoma, WA | Salt Lake City, UT | Portland, OR | Denver, CO
Salary Range: $130,000-$200,000 (DOE & Location)
Schedule: Flexible Hybrid Schedule | 9/80 Option (Every Other Friday Off)

David Evans and Associates Inc. (DEA) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader to join our Transit and Rail Group, focusing on freight rail projects. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, team development, and client partnership. You'll have the opportunity to shape impactful rail infrastructure while guiding a high-performing team from conceptual design through to construction support.

As part of our collaborative and client-focused culture, you'll work with major freight carriers, ports, and industrial clients to develop innovative, constructible, and sustainable rail solutions.

• Serve as the lead civil designer on multidiscipline rail projects involving grading, utilities, drainage, erosion control, site development, access roads, and track geometry.
• 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.

• Lead preparation and review of detailed construction plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and reports.
• Utilize Bentley OpenRail Designer, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D to develop accurate, high-quality deliverables.

• Conduct and manage technical reviews of plans, estimates, and calculations to uphold DEA's Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Provide construction-phase support including submittal reviews, RFIs, and field observations to preserve design integrity.

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a growing team of engineers and designers, supporting both technical development and career growth.
• Plan and allocate resources effectively, ensuring the right expertise is applied to each project.

• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to key clients such as BNSF, UPRR, CPKC, and industry rail partners.
• Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and relationship-building efforts with new and existing clients.
• Collaborate with DEA leadership to grow the Freight Rail team and expand our service offerings.

• Coordinate with structural, geotechnical, surveying, environmental, and architectural disciplines.
• Lead project meetings, site visits, and inspections to align field activities with design intent and stakeholder goals.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on freight rail and land development.
• Demonstrated success delivering projects for Class I railroads or industrial clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for site visits, client engagement, and business development.

• Proficiency in Bentley OpenRail, MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Civil 3D.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad standards (BNSF, UPRR, NS, CPKC).
• Proven success in client management, winning work, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and building high-functioning design teams.
• Preference given to candidates based in or near Texas or strategic client regions.

At DEA, we are engineers, planners, surveyors, and scientists united by a shared vision: to improve our communities through thoughtful, forward-thinking infrastructure. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we're invested in your growth-and your success is our success.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life
• Wellness Support: Health Savings & Lifestyle Spending Accounts with employer contributions
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, holiday pay, and flexible 9/80 schedule
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) with company match
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement, training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities
• Inclusive Culture: Collaborative, supportive environment driven by integrity, innovation, and ownership

Our Transit and Rail Group is a trusted partner to public and private rail clients, delivering integrated solutions for both freight and passenger rail systems. With in-house civil, structural, and transportation engineers, surveyors, and environmental experts, we provide full-service support from planning through construction. We help railroads, ports, and industrial clients meet growing demand with smart, cost-effective infrastructure that moves people and goods more efficiently.

Ready to lead the future of rail with purpose and impact?
Apply today to join DEA and build the infrastructure that moves tomorrow.