Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Initiative

Job Description – Apply now

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker is seeking a Civil Engineer/Office Engineer to join the team in Alexandria!  The Office Engineer will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects, applying professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities. This role involves coordination with multidisciplinary teams, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient rail projects.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, structures interfaces, and site civil components.
• Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors across project phases.
• Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Apply railroad standards (e.g., AREMA, FRA) and client guidelines in project execution.
• Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts.
• Respond to RFIs and support engineering services during construction.
• Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, and utility owners.
• Ensure designs meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering 
• 6 years of civil engineering experience, preferably on freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems
• Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $93,719 – $123,006 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.

Job Description – Apply now

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker International is seeking a Construction Accountant for our Alexandria, Virginia Office. 

What You’ll Do:

• Detailed review of multiple vendor invoices/pay applications, compiling and summarizing consolidated invoice packages for reimbursement. 
• Ensuring draft invoices from billing are accurate based on the contract agreement requirements with the client/funding partners, identify any corrections needed, finalize invoice package submittals and track payment progress. 
• Reconciling overall project payables and receivables to project budgets. 
• Becoming familiar with all project agreement requirements, pay rates, allowable charges, and tracking any exceptions.  
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for generating accurate and precise project-related financial records using Oracle, spreadsheets, and software. 
• Support the program document control specialist in compliance with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, monitoring systems, and record retention. 

What You Need to Succeed:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in private or public accounting. 
• Excellent knowledge of construction cost accounting and related financial procedures. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, expressing ideas effectively and professionally. 
• Working knowledge of the construction industry. 
• Solid analytical and mathematical skills. 
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe), with an Intermediate Level of experience in Excel a must with CMIC and Oracle Accounting software experience preferred.
• Occasional Travel Required 

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $121,803 to $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.

Job Description – Apply now

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.

What We’re Looking For

Michael Baker is seeking an experienced Rail Inspector to support rail infrastructure projects in the Alexandria area. This senior‑level role provides on‑site inspection and oversight to ensure construction activities comply with approved plans, specifications, railroad standards, and safety requirements. The Senior Inspector may also provide day‑to‑day guidance to junior inspectors and serve as a key field liaison among contractors, railroad representatives, and the project team.

What You’ll Do

• Perform and oversee daily inspections of rail construction activities, including trackwork, civil grading, drainage, structures, and related railroad improvements.
• Ensure construction is performed in compliance with contract documents, project specifications, and applicable railroad standards (FRA, AREMA, agency requirements).
• Monitor contractor compliance with safety requirements, railroad operating rules, and approved work plans.
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed daily inspection reports, field notes, progress photographs, and documentation.
• Observe and document material deliveries, testing procedures, and installation methods.
• Coordinate field activities with contractors, railroad personnel, flagging services, testing agencies, and third‑party inspectors.
• Identify non‑conforming work, document deficiencies, and communicate corrective actions to the Resident Engineer or Construction Manager.
• Track quantities, verify pay items, and assist with progress measurements.
• Participate in project meetings, safety briefings, coordination meetings, and client updates.
• Support project closeout activities, including punch lists, final inspections, and documentation.
• May provide technical guidance, oversight, and mentorship to other inspectors and assist with inspection team coordination.

What You Need to Succeed

• High school diploma or equivalent required (additional technical training or certifications preferred).
• 10+ years of construction inspection experience on freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in rail construction methods, field inspection practices, and quality control procedures.
• Strong working knowledge of FRA, AREMA, and railroad or transit agency standards.
• Experience interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Ability to lead or support inspection teams and communicate effectively with contractors, inspectors, and project leadership.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality.

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $85,715 – $115,654 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.

Job Description – Apply now

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker is seeking a talented Construction Manager with a specialization in freight rail projects and program management, to help make a difference in our Rail and Transit Practice. This position will directly support Michael Baker’s engagement to supply program and construction management services to our freight rail client CSX Transportation as a partner in the public-private partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia to deliver significant rail enhancement projects for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. Our team consists of on-location support in our Alexandria, VA office with technical expertise also from other offices. The candidate will report to the Alexandria office.

This individual will lead a group of construction managers, resident engineers, and inspectors focused on providing construction services to freight rail and passenger rail clients within the Richmond to DC corridor on multiple projects as part of the TRV Program. We are looking for a Railway focused leader who will collaborate with our CMs focused on serving our rail practice and to provide high quality construction services. In addition to project responsibilities, you will be directly involved with development and implementation of the construction services business strategy, while also helping to win work and expand our project portfolio and client base.

What You’ll Do:

The Construction Manager will supervise the planning, coordination, and implementation of railway, civil and bridge construction projects in the Richmond to DC corridor.  Project responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Support Michael Baker International’s TRV Program Manager and/or Deputy Program Managers
• Maintain ultimate responsibility for delivery of project quality, cost, schedule, and safety:
  • Develop, maintain, distribute, and update project-specific Project Management Plan, including Health and Safety Plans and Quality Management Plans
  • Conduct safety meetings and training programs to ensure safety requirements are met
  • Coordinate audits of quality management processes and procedures
  • Sustain continuous improvement for all processes
• Provide inspection, field engineering, technical advisement for issues related to civil, track, and bridge construction activities, as-needed
• Review project proposal and scope of work to determine schedule, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing project success, assisting in contract negotiations, as required
• Establish work plan for large and complex projects, arrange for staffing for each phase of project, including subcontractor engagement
• Coordinate project with activities of government regulatory or other government agencies
• Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure progress remains on schedule and within prescribed budget.
• Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify schedules or plans, as required
• Prepare project reports for management, client, or others
• Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems. Oversee and mentor junior staff.
• Generate and/or approve purchase orders, invoices, credits; review time sheets
• Attend job, CM/Design coordination meetings, and most technical meetings.  Coordinate with design review on RFIs and other issues
• Oversee coordination of staging, and shutdown/start-up operations to ensure uninterrupted rail, yard or facility operations 
• Assist in hiring staff as needed to support project needs
• Possess proven Client Management Skills including:
  • Develop and maintain client relations to ensure satisfaction
  • Interface with Key stakeholders and community public outreach programs, as needed
  • Gather/disseminate information and intelligence regarding potential upcoming pursuits
  • Participate in business development activities as required for existing and potential new clients, to include general marketing, client meetings, and proposal development
• Other duties as assigned

Occasional to moderate local/regional travel will be required.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• 10+ years in construction oversight with expertise in safety, scheduling (CPM, Primavera, MS Project), staffing, estimating, risk and quality management, and document controls
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to manage diverse teams and liaise with clients, contractors, and agencies
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects safely, on time, and under budget
• Committed to client satisfaction, business growth, staff development, and operational excellence
• Experience coordinating with government agencies
• P.E. and CCM certifications preferred
• Required: experience in active rail facilities; preferred: track safety certification
• Rail industry experience (freight/passenger) essential
• Familiarity with Virginia/DC area 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.

Job Description – Appy now

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, authority, and state Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

We provide value by first understanding our clients’ needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.

What We’re Looking For:

Michael Baker is seeking a Construction Engineering Associate to be located in our Alexandria, VA office.  

Specific duties may depend on job assignments but will include serving as project support for construction projects, coordinating construction inspection activities,  working with office staff and field crews engaged in basic technical engineering activities, evaluating contract specifications and plans,  executing project paperwork / required documentation, and working with data systems in support of the client(s). 

What You’ll Do:

Work is performed under the general supervision of a Resident Engineer with the Construction Services Department on various projects, both large and small.  Work conditions vary depending on assignments and are performed in the office and/or in the field with exposure to varying weather conditions, challenging terrain, and requirements for walking, standing, bending, and lifting loads.  The position requires hand/eye coordination in the efficient operation of computers and basic field-testing equipment.  Employees will be based in the Alexandria, VA office, but may be asked to travel and be available for work on a sporadic and temporary basis.

Employees in this classification will be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned to such duties will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Virginia or obtain said license following employment. Applicants may be subject to a background check, which may impact employment.

The best part of being a Construction Engineering Associate for Michael Baker is that no two days will be the same. You will face different challenges every day, some of which will be extraordinarily complex. You will feel a sense of pride in knowing that you are helping Michael Baker provide innovative construction solutions to rail/transit infrastructure challenges, big and small, and making a difference for our clients and the communities we serve.

What You Need to Succeed:

• 3-5 years civil engineering / construction experience
• Four-year degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management  or related engineering or technical field
• EIT Certification with intention to obtain PE License
• Excellent English language skills both written and verbal
• Ability to aid in basic construction administrative activities related to safety, quality, cost and schedule of various projects.
• Evaluation and maintenance of construction documents – drawings, specifications, materials testing reports and supporting documentation.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office) and knowledge of scheduling software is preferred.
• Ability to visit work sites, dialogue with field staff, gather data and report findings to supervisors.
• To be successful, you’ll need to be bright, organized, outward and determined. You will also need to be able to build relationships with a wide variety of people and work in a team environment with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing project obligations.  

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position $149,344.00 – $207,788.00 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.