Regional Lead - Rail EngineerDepartment: Transportation
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000 / year
DescriptionAt Horrocks, we believe the best work comes from companies with values, that our people are our greatest resource, and that we have a responsibility to the communities where we live and work. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Regional Lead - Rail Engineer to help lead and grow our rail practice across multiple regions throughout the United States. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership, supporting business development efforts, managing key client relationships, and overseeing successful delivery of rail projects across a regional portfolio.
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in railroad engineering and project delivery, along with demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams, mentoring staff, developing business, and supporting regional growth initiatives. This position will play a key role in expanding Horrocks' rail presence, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring consistent project execution and quality across the region.
What are the core responsibilities for the role?- Provide regional leadership for railroad projects and support strategic growth initiatives within the assigned region.
- Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including industry track, terminals, spurs, mainlines, yards, and sidings.
- Coordinate with railroad companies for the delivery of a variety of DOT and municipal public agency projects involving railroad interface for at-grade crossings, grade-separated structures, and utility crossings.
- Serve as a senior technical resource and advisor for rail design (geometry, material, etc.), grading, drainage, and related infrastructure.
- Build and strengthen relationships with clients, railroad operators, public agencies, and industry partners across the region.
- Support business development activities including client engagement, proposal development, project pursuits, and participation in industry organizations and conferences.
- Provide mentorship, leadership, and technical guidance to engineers, designers, and junior staff across multiple offices and project teams.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and regional leadership to support staffing strategies, resource planning, and operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies across multiple states to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and railroad standards.
- Lead implementation and enforcement of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures throughout project development and delivery.
- Support the continued development and standardization of rail engineering and coordination practices, design procedures, and project delivery processes across the company.
- Travel periodically for client meetings, project site visits, regional coordination, and industry events.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in rail, transit, railroad infrastructure, and transportation / land development engineering projects.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary rail engineering projects and managing client relationships.
- Strong understanding of design standards for track, at-grade railroad crossings, grade-separated structures, and utility crossings.
- Experience mentoring technical staff and leading engineering teams across multiple projects or offices preferred.
- Understanding of CAD platforms and standard engineering software applications.
- Strong business development, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with railroad staff, clients, agencies, contractors, and internal teams.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and team culture.
- Willingness to travel regionally as needed to support project delivery and client engagement.
Why would a candidate want this job?At Horrocks, you can expect a competitive base salary and award-winning benefits. Including, but not limited to:- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Generous paid time off
- 401(k): 50% match of contribution up to 6%
- Professional development opportunities including in-house training
- Paid professional organization membership and professional licensure
For more information, visit our website at
Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and protected veteran statusEEO - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
We provide fair and equal treatment to all candidates, including reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If you require an accommodation during the application process, please email us at and include your name, the job title, and the location of the position you are applying for. Our team will respond as promptly as possible.
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