David Evans and Associates, Inc.
Principal Rail Design Engineer / Sr Project Manager - Bellevue, WA
David Evans and Associates, Inc., Bellevue, Washington, us, 98009
Overview
Principal Rail Design Engineer / Sr Project Manager in the Transit and Rail Group. The team is seeking 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. 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. What You’ll Do
Serve as a technical lead on 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. Responsibilities
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. Coordinate closely 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. Provide post-design services including responding to RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, supporting as-built documentation, and conducting site observations. Supervise and mentor junior engineers and project managers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning. Lead and contribute to business development efforts through proposal preparation, client engagement, and marketing pursuits; support resource planning and long-term strategic initiatives across the Transit and Rail practice. What You Bring
Required Qualifications
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 Qualifications
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 Benefits We Offer
Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off Retirement: 401k plan Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program Growth opportunities: Mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement Potential salary range: $150,000 - $200,000 The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Potential office locations include: Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA; Olympia, WA; Tukwila, WA; Bellevue, WA; Woodinville, WA; Everett, WA; Bellingham, WA. Redmond, WA $105,300 - $168,500 4 days ago • Seattle, WA $120,000 - $135,000 2 weeks ago • Seattle, WA $70,900 - $151,700 2 weeks ago • Bellevue, WA $75,000 - $95,000 2 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Civil Engineering Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at David Evans and Associates, Inc. by 2x Note: For recruiters and agencies, refer-and-fee policies apply as described in the job posting.
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Principal Rail Design Engineer / Sr Project Manager in the Transit and Rail Group. The team is seeking 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. 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. What You’ll Do
Serve as a technical lead on 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. Responsibilities
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. Coordinate closely 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. Provide post-design services including responding to RFIs, reviewing contractor submittals, supporting as-built documentation, and conducting site observations. Supervise and mentor junior engineers and project managers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning. Lead and contribute to business development efforts through proposal preparation, client engagement, and marketing pursuits; support resource planning and long-term strategic initiatives across the Transit and Rail practice. What You Bring
Required Qualifications
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 Qualifications
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 Benefits We Offer
Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off Retirement: 401k plan Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program Growth opportunities: Mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement Potential salary range: $150,000 - $200,000 The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Potential office locations include: Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA; Olympia, WA; Tukwila, WA; Bellevue, WA; Woodinville, WA; Everett, WA; Bellingham, WA. Redmond, WA $105,300 - $168,500 4 days ago • Seattle, WA $120,000 - $135,000 2 weeks ago • Seattle, WA $70,900 - $151,700 2 weeks ago • Bellevue, WA $75,000 - $95,000 2 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Civil Engineering Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at David Evans and Associates, Inc. by 2x Note: For recruiters and agencies, refer-and-fee policies apply as described in the job posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr