Senior Consultant; Rail Operations

About This Role

The Senior Consultant in the Railroad Practice will focus on operating practices, train handling, and rules compliance, supporting both litigation and consulting assignments. The position emphasizes expert analysis of standard of care issues involving train operations, safety appliances, crew actions, and train makeup. The role requires strong knowledge of federal regulations, railroad operating rules, and industry practices. The Senior Consultant will provide expert witness support, prepare technical reports, and assist clients in matters involving train operations, compliance, and safety.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Eligible for Awards Program, Merit Bonus, and/or Annual Bonus
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) - encouraged to take 20 days of paid time off/year
• Administrative Staff Support
• Pet Insurance
• Work/Life Balance
• Access to Wellbeats - on-demand fitness & well-being videos
• 10 paid holidays (9 standard holidays and 1 floating holiday)
• 30-minute fitness break available in addition to 1-hour lunch break
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Business casual dress code and positive working environment
• Continuing education opportunities

• Perform analyses of train handling practices, safety appliance use, rules compliance, and train makeup to assess adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert witness services in legal proceedings, including deposition and trial testimony, on operating practices and standard of care issues.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, affidavits, and case exhibits to support litigation and consulting projects.
• Review and interpret railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and industry best practices as they apply to specific cases or investigations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate operating practices expertise into accident reconstructions, simulations, and broader consulting assignments.
• Assist in client development by participating in presentations, conferences, and technical workshops.
• Mentor junior consultants and support the development of operating practices expertise within the Railroad Practice.

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in railroad operations, transportation compliance, or related consulting roles.
• Prior experience serving as an expert or supporting expert witness testimony preferred.
• Deep familiarity with railroad operating rules, train handling practices, FRA safety regulations, and AAR standards.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, particularly in preparing materials for legal and client audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or prior experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with data analysis for train handling or operations review preferred.

• Professional Certifications or FRA qualifications desirable.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, crawl, climb and lift up to 50#.

Work may occasionally need to be performed at various heights, out of doors in varied climate extremes.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position includes work in a variety of environments including office, laboratory, industrial, construction and outdoors. Noise levels, temperature and weather conditions will vary according to the work environment.

When appropriate employees will be required to use suitable PPE.

It is the policy of ESI, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. ESI is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities, as well as veterans. If you need assistance with completing the electronic application, please email your request to employment @