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Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

T.Y. Lin International · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project where you led track design across planning, design and construction.

What they are checking: Experience leading components through all phases, as the posting expects.

Tell me about a time you mentored a younger engineer on track design.

What they are checking: Readiness for the senior role's mentoring and leadership duties.

What would you do

A client wants a tighter curve to avoid property impacts, but it hurts speed and wear. How do you advise them?

What they are checking: Ability to explain tradeoffs and guide clients to sound decisions.

During construction, the contractor finds a conflict with an underground utility on your alignment. What do you do?

What they are checking: Construction support skills and quick problem-solving under schedule pressure.

About the work

Walk me through how you develop a horizontal and vertical alignment for a light rail extension.

What they are checking: Core alignment geometry skill, which the posting lists as deep technical expertise.

How do design criteria differ for LRT, heavy rail and commuter rail track?

What they are checking: Breadth across the rail modes this role covers.

How do you design special trackwork like turnouts and crossovers in a tight yard?

What they are checking: Detailed track design knowledge that affects operations and maintenance.

How do you coordinate track design with structures, drainage, systems and stations?

What they are checking: Corridor integration and multidisciplinary coordination, which the posting stresses.

What CAD and rail design software do you use, and how do you check your models?

What they are checking: Tool proficiency and quality checking on track geometry deliverables.

How do AREMA and agency standards guide your design decisions?

What they are checking: Knowledge of rail design standards that clients and reviewers expect.

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The full job description

As published by T.Y. Lin International.

TYLin is a globally recognized, full-service infrastructure consulting firm committed to providing innovative, cost-effective, constructible designs for the global infrastructure market. With over 3,000 employees throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the firm provides support on projects of varying size and complexity. Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people with better mobility. We steward precious resources by finding more sustainable solutions. Job Summary TYLin is seeking a motivated and skilled Senior Track and Civil Engineer to join our Rail & Transit team. This role is ideal for professionals with 8-12 years of experience who are ready to take the next step in their career. You will support and lead components of complex transportation projects across all phases—from planning and design to procurement and construction—while working closely with senior project managers and multidisciplinary teams. The Track and Civil Engineer will lead the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit track infrastructure across the U.S. This role is ideal for an experienced rail engineering professional with deep technical expertise in track design, alignment geometry, corridor integration, and multidisciplinary coordination. You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects—including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities—while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit practice. This role can be based in any of our U.S. locations. Responsibilities & Qualifications What You'll Do • Serve as the discipline lead for track design on major rail and transit projects across the U.S. • Lead the development of horizontal and vertical alignments, turnouts, crossovers, special trackwork, and yard/maintenance facility layouts. • Oversee preparation and review of engineering plans, specifications, design criteria, and technical reports. • Conduct and review corridor studies, constructability analyses, phasing/staging plans, and design alternatives. • Coordinate closely with signaling, traction power, overhead catenary systems (OCS), communications, civil, structural, and geotechnical teams to ensure integrated solutions. • Provide senior-level technical review, quality assurance, and risk management guidance. • Lead multidisciplinary teams across project phases, including feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, final design, and construction support. • Interface with clients, transit agencies, freight railroads, and regulatory authorities (e.g., FRA, state DOTs) to resolve technical issues and support decision-making. • Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence and growth within the team. • Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client engagement, and strategic pursuits. • Contribute to advancing TYLin’s best practices for track design, rail corridor integration, and constructibility. What You'll Bring • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline. • Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at least one U.S. state (or ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity). • PMP certification is a plus. • Proven experience leading complex rail infrastructure projects. • Advanced knowledge of track geometry, alignment design, and corridor integration. • Proficiency with industry design tools such as Bentley OpenRail, OpenRoads, InRoads, MicroStation, Civil 3D, or similar platforms. • Strong understanding of applicable U.S. standards and guidelines, including AREMA, FRA regulations, and relevant state and local agency requirements. • Experience coordinating with rail systems disciplines (signaling, OCS, traction power, communications). • Solid understanding of constructability, staging, maintenance-of-way requirements, and operational constraints. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical concepts to clients, stakeholders, and leadership. • Experience working with U.S. transit agencies (e.g., MTA, LA Metro, CTA, MBTA) or Class I/short line freight railroads is highly desirable. Additional Information #LI-DNP #LI-GICentral #LI-GIMidAtlantic #LI-GINewYork #LI-GINortheast #LI-GINorthwest #LI-GISouthwest #LI-GISouth #LI-GIHybrid TYLin offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits may include extensive medical, disability and life insurance coverage, continuing education benefits, paid time off, employee assistance program and a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions. We encourage all candidates to explore our total rewards offering. Collaboration, mission-driven focus, discipline, and leadership skills developed through military service benefit us all. Whether you are a Veteran, Guardsman or Reservist, a Military Spouse or you are planning to transition to civilian life in the near future, we welcome and value your application. TYLin is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type as protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The company and its employees are required to comply with all local health authority, legal or lawful client requirements.

Apply at T.Y. Lin International