Resident Engineer - Rail & Transit

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PRACTICE

Michael Baker International’s Construction Services staff supports clients by acting as their trusted on-site agent through all phases of construction, from pre-design to close-out, by providing qualified construction managers, inspectors, constructability reviewers, schedulers, estimators and safety experts. As new technologies evolve throughout the construction industry, innovative ideas are required to maintain and deliver successful construction projects.

DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker is seeking an experienced Resident Engineer with a strong background in rail infrastructure, specifically with Metra and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) projects. The ideal candidate will serve as the on-site engineering representative for major rail construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvement initiatives. This role requires deep familiarity with commuter rail and transit operational environments, construction management expertise, and the ability to coordinate effectively with contractors, stakeholders, and agency personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Construction Oversight & Field Management

• Serve as the on-site authority overseeing construction activities for METRA and/or CTA rail projects.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract documents, project schedules, safety standards, and quality expectations.
• Conduct daily field inspections and maintain detailed documentation of work progress, testing, and field conditions.
• Identify, track, and help resolve field issues, changes, and conflicts as they arise.

Technical & Contract Compliance

• Review engineering plans, shop drawings, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and technical specifications.
• Ensure construction execution adheres to METRA and CTA engineering standards, design criteria, and operating requirements.
• Coordinate with design teams and project engineers to clarify plans and resolve technical discrepancies.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary on-site liaison between the agency (METRA/CTA), contractors, local jurisdictions, utilities, and third-party stakeholders.
• Participate in progress meetings, safety briefings, and coordination sessions.
• Communicate project status, risks, and resolutions to agency representatives and project leadership.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily reports, logs, photos, and field records in accordance with agency standards.
• Assist with cost tracking, schedule updates, change management documentation, and project reporting.
• Prepare written reports summarizing field observations, issues, and recommendations.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, preferred. 
• 5+ years of experience in rail/transit construction, with direct experience on METRA and/or CTA projects.
• Strong understanding of rail infrastructure, including track, structures, stations, power systems, and signaling (as applicable).
• Previous experience working in an active rail environment with stringent operating and safety protocols.

COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $136,000 - $187,000 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. 

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 nearly 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.