Rail Construction Manager

Job Description

Rail and Transit PracticeWhether moving people or freight, the future of rail and transit infrastructure is shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker International supports freight railroads, transit authorities, and state departments of transportation (DOTs) through services focused on state of good repair, capacity expansion, safety, asset management, and sustainable rail infrastructure. We partner closely with our clients to deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that advance large‑scale transportation programs and improve mobility and reliability across the rail network.What We're Looking For:We are seeking a railway‑focused construction leader who is passionate about delivering high‑quality construction services, mentoring teams, partnering with clients, and contributing to business strategy, growth, and work‑winning efforts to support our Rail and Transit Practice as part of the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. In this role, you will help deliver significant rail enhancement projects for CSX Transportation, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, under a highly visible public‑private partnership program. This opportunity is based in Alexandria, Virginia, with on‑site program leadership and collaboration across regional and national technical teams. In addition, you will lead a group of construction managers, resident engineers, and inspectors by providing construction oversight and technical leadership for freight and passenger rail projects along the Richmond‑to‑Washington, DC corridor.What You'll Do:As a Construction Manager on our team, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of rail, civil, and bridge construction projects, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the TRV Program Manager and/or Deputy Program Managers in delivering program objectives
• Maintaining overall responsibility for project quality, cost, schedule, and safety performance
• Developing, maintaining, and implementing Project Management Plans, including Health & Safety Plans and Quality Management Plans
• Conducting safety meetings and training programs to ensure compliance with railroad and project safety requirements
• Coordinating quality management audits and sustaining continuous improvement across construction processes
• Providing inspection, field engineering, and technical advisory support for civil, track, and bridge construction activities, as needed
• Reviewing project proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and funding constraints; supporting contract negotiations when required
• Establishing work plans for large, complex rail projects, including staffing strategies and subcontractor engagement
• Coordinating project activities with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and third‑party stakeholders
• Directing and coordinating project personnel to ensure work progresses on schedule and within budget
• Reviewing status reports, adjusting schedules, and modifying plans as necessary to address risks or changing conditions
• Preparing project reports for management and client leadership
• Providing technical guidance, resolving project issues, and mentoring junior staff
• Generating and approving purchase orders, invoices, credits, and reviewing timesheets
• Participating in job site meetings, CM/design coordination meetings, and technical reviews; coordinating design reviews related to RFIs and construction issues
• Overseeing coordination of staging, shutdowns, and start‑up operations to maintain uninterrupted rail, yard, or facility operations
• Assisting with staff hiring and resource planning to meet project and program needs

Client Management & Business Development:

• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships to ensure satisfaction and long‑term partnership
• Interfacing with key stakeholders and supporting community and public outreach efforts, as needed
• Gathering and sharing intelligence related to upcoming pursuits and program opportunities
• Participating in business development activities, including client meetings, marketing efforts, and proposal development

Occasional to moderate local and regional travel is required in this roleWhat You Need to Succeed:

• Required Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
  • A minimum of 10 years construction oversight experience, along with demonstrated expertise in: 
    • Safety management
    • Scheduling (CPM, Primavera, MS Project)
    • Staffing and resource planning
    • Estimating, risk management, quality management, and document controls
  • Relevant past experience working in active rail facilities
  • Proven leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage diverse field teams and interface effectively with clients, contractors, railroads, and public agencies
  • Demonstrated record of delivering high‑quality rail projects safely, on time, and within budget
  • Commitment to client satisfaction, business growth, staff development, and operational excellence
  • Experience coordinating with government agencies and regulatory authorities
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) and/or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credentials
  • Track safety certification
  • Direct rail industry experience (freight and/or passenger rail)
  • Familiarity with Virginia and Washington, DC area rail projects

Compensation:The approximate compensation range for this position is $121,803 - $159,891 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.