Track Engineering Lead

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is seeking an experienced Track Engineering Technical Lead to join our New York Transit & Rail practice. In this role, you will serve as the senior technical lead for track design projects, guiding a small team of engineers while delivering complex rail programs for clients such as MTA and Amtrak.

You will lead track design across a diverse portfolio of projects including the Resorts World MTA program, major design-build pursuits, ADA improvement packages, and corridor infrastructure improvements. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile passenger rail systems while helping expand VHB's growing Transit & Rail presence in the New York region.

Beyond technical leadership, this position plays a key role in mentoring junior engineers, supporting project pursuits, and helping shape the future of VHB's rail practice in New York. It's an ideal opportunity for a senior track engineer who enjoys balancing technical design leadership, team development, and strategic growth within a collaborative and people-focused environment.

Provide technical leadership and design oversight for trackwork construction, rehabilitation, and capital improvement projects across rail and transit programs.

• Plan and coordinate construction sequencing, work breakdown structures (WBS), track access, possession plans, and outage windows in partnership with rail operations teams.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (signals, communications, traction power, civil, structures, and utilities) to ensure seamless integration of track systems.

• Manage critical interface points including track geometry verification, bonding and grounding requirements, and signaling or train control cutovers.

• Implement quality assurance and quality control programs, including inspection and test plans (ITPs), geometry acceptance testing, ultrasonic rail testing, and weld qualification oversight.

• Review and manage contractor submittals, RFIs, material approvals, nonconformance reports, and construction documentation.

• Support project controls and delivery, including schedule coordination, cost tracking, risk management, change management, and progress reporting.

• Provide technical direction to contractors, inspectors, and project teams, resolving field issues and supporting claims resolution as needed.

• Lead testing and commissioning activities, including track geometry acceptance, clearance checks, and integration with signal and train control systems.

• Represent VHB in meetings with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders, presenting technical recommendations and project updates.

• Stay current with emerging track design practices, materials, and technologies to enhance project delivery and performance.

• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred).

• 11+ years of experience in track engineering, rail construction, or permanent way infrastructure.

• Proven experience delivering rail or transit capital programs, including new construction and rehabilitation projects.

• Experience managing special trackwork installations and mainline track geometry in active rail environments.

• Familiarity with construction submittals, RFIs, QA/QC programs, and project controls for rail infrastructure projects.

• Understanding of rail systems integration, particularly coordination with signaling and train control systems.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

• Experience with PMIS platforms such as e-Builder, SharePoint, or similar systems.

• Strong technical writing, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.

• Knowledge of industry standards including AREMA, FRA, IEEE, and FTA guidelines.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in New York, NY is $155,000-220,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Newark, NJ is $150,000-200,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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