David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Principal Rail Design Engineer / Sr Project Manager - Tukwila, WA
David Evans and Associates, Inc., Tukwila, Washington, United States
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Overview At DEA, we are committed to improving how people and goods move through our communities. Our Transit and Rail Group is trusted by Class I railroads, industrial clients, ports, and public agencies to deliver critical infrastructure with precision and creativity. By integrating our in-house expertise across engineering, planning, environmental sciences, and surveying, we create smart, constructible solutions that support sustainable, forward-thinking transportation networks.
The Transit and Rail team is seeking a Principal Rail Design Engineer in the Puget Sound Region. We’re looking for a proactive leader and skilled engineer who thrives in a collaborative, client-focused environment. You’ll be instrumental in transforming conceptual ideas into constructible design solutions - working closely with public and private partners to deliver meaningful transportation improvements.
Responsibilities
Lead with expertise: Serve as a technical lead on a wide range of railroad and rail transit projects—designing track alignments, rail terminals, utilities, grading, drainage, erosion control, roadway improvements, and site development.
Lead projects from planning and feasibility through final design and construction support, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and client expectations.
Drive project success: Manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Oversee preparation of plans, specifications, estimates (PS&E), and technical reports.
Perform QA/QC reviews and uphold rigorous quality standards throughout project lifecycles.
Collaborate across disciplines: Coordinate with in-house teams and external stakeholders—including structural, geotechnical, architectural, environmental, and surveying professionals—to ensure cohesive project delivery.
Engage directly with clients and attend site visits, field reviews, and design meetings as needed.
Support construction efforts: Provide post-design services including responding to RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, supporting as-built documentation, and conducting site observations.
Lead and mentor: Supervise and mentor junior engineers and project managers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
Grow our practice: Lead and/or contribute to business development efforts through proposal preparation, client engagement, and marketing pursuits; support resource planning and long-term strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
Washington State PE license (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire)
10-20 years of relevant design experience with freight railroads, passenger rail, or transit projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to both technical and public audiences
Ability to travel periodically for project needs
Demonstrated leadership skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
Proficiency with Bluebeam Studio and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred:
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil3D, MicroStation, and/or OpenRoads
Familiarity with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project
Established relationships with local rail and transit agencies
Recognized expertise in rail design standards and engineering practices
Salary and Benefits
Base pay range: $150,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr
Benefits We Offer: Comprehensive health coverage, HSA and Lifestyle Spending Account, professional development, PTO and holidays, flexible 9/80 schedule, 401k, wellbeing and growth opportunities, and more.
Potential salary range noted reflects typical ranges and is commensurate with experience and location.
Locations considered: Redmond, WA; Seattle, WA; Bellevue, WA; Tacoma, WA; Olympia, WA; Tukwila, WA; Woodinville, WA; Everett, WA; and nearby areas.
Additional Where applicable, postings may include information about relocation assistance and other program-specific details. This description reflects the role as described by the employer and is not a guarantee of employment.
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Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Overview At DEA, we are committed to improving how people and goods move through our communities. Our Transit and Rail Group is trusted by Class I railroads, industrial clients, ports, and public agencies to deliver critical infrastructure with precision and creativity. By integrating our in-house expertise across engineering, planning, environmental sciences, and surveying, we create smart, constructible solutions that support sustainable, forward-thinking transportation networks.
The Transit and Rail team is seeking a Principal Rail Design Engineer in the Puget Sound Region. We’re looking for a proactive leader and skilled engineer who thrives in a collaborative, client-focused environment. You’ll be instrumental in transforming conceptual ideas into constructible design solutions - working closely with public and private partners to deliver meaningful transportation improvements.
Responsibilities
Lead with expertise: Serve as a technical lead on a wide range of railroad and rail transit projects—designing track alignments, rail terminals, utilities, grading, drainage, erosion control, roadway improvements, and site development.
Lead projects from planning and feasibility through final design and construction support, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and client expectations.
Drive project success: Manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Oversee preparation of plans, specifications, estimates (PS&E), and technical reports.
Perform QA/QC reviews and uphold rigorous quality standards throughout project lifecycles.
Collaborate across disciplines: Coordinate with in-house teams and external stakeholders—including structural, geotechnical, architectural, environmental, and surveying professionals—to ensure cohesive project delivery.
Engage directly with clients and attend site visits, field reviews, and design meetings as needed.
Support construction efforts: Provide post-design services including responding to RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, supporting as-built documentation, and conducting site observations.
Lead and mentor: Supervise and mentor junior engineers and project managers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
Grow our practice: Lead and/or contribute to business development efforts through proposal preparation, client engagement, and marketing pursuits; support resource planning and long-term strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
Washington State PE license (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire)
10-20 years of relevant design experience with freight railroads, passenger rail, or transit projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to both technical and public audiences
Ability to travel periodically for project needs
Demonstrated leadership skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
Proficiency with Bluebeam Studio and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred:
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil3D, MicroStation, and/or OpenRoads
Familiarity with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project
Established relationships with local rail and transit agencies
Recognized expertise in rail design standards and engineering practices
Salary and Benefits
Base pay range: $150,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr
Benefits We Offer: Comprehensive health coverage, HSA and Lifestyle Spending Account, professional development, PTO and holidays, flexible 9/80 schedule, 401k, wellbeing and growth opportunities, and more.
Potential salary range noted reflects typical ranges and is commensurate with experience and location.
Locations considered: Redmond, WA; Seattle, WA; Bellevue, WA; Tacoma, WA; Olympia, WA; Tukwila, WA; Woodinville, WA; Everett, WA; and nearby areas.
Additional Where applicable, postings may include information about relocation assistance and other program-specific details. This description reflects the role as described by the employer and is not a guarantee of employment.
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