Senior Civil Design Engineer / Group Leader, Transit and Rail

The increasing complexities of modern transportation include growing demands, aging infrastructure, rising costs, funding challenges, and environmental concerns. Agencies and communities faced with improving their transportation systems must do more with less. From initial investigations through planning, concept development, final design, and construction, DEA responds with solutions that serve today's transportation needs while accommodating tomorrow's growth. Our Transportation Business Unit focuses on four markets: Bridges and Structures, Roads and Highways, Transit and Rail, and Construction Engineering.

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.

Technical Leadership

• 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.

Project Delivery & Construction Documentation

• 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.

Quality & Oversight

• 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.

Leadership & Mentoring

• 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.

Client & Business Development

• 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.

Collaboration & Field Engagement

• 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.

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

• Comprehensive health coverage:Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance

• Financial wellness:Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions

• Professional development:Support for continuing education and training opportunities.

• Work-life balance:Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay

• Retirement:401k plan

• Wellbeing focus:Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health

• Growth opportunities:Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement

• Potential salary range:$130,000 - $200,000

• The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services or to resumes, please e-mailcareers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Denver, CO; Omaha, NE; Portland, OR; Bryan/College Station, TX; Dallas, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Tacoma, WA.