Track Engineering Lead

Overview

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 $,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 $,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

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