Railroad Engineer (2 vacancies!)
Apply NowCompany: State of Wisconsin
Location: Madison, WI 53711
Description:
Introduction
May 2025 graduates encouraged to apply! Join our team as a Railroad Engineer (Civil Engineer Transportation)! We currently two openings at the entry, senior or advanced level! This position offers a hybridized work schedule. The position will be headquartered at and required to work from the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison, WI at least 2 days per week. All employees working a hybrid work schedule are still expected to telework from within the State of Wisconsin. This topic will be discussed more at the time of the interview.
WisDOT is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is an organization dedicated to creating transportation solutions through innovation and exceptional service. We are committed to fostering an environment rooted in Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Accountability. Click here to learn more about how we apply these values in our work.
The WisDOT Division of Transportation Investment Management (DTIM) conducts long-range, multimodal transportation planning; guides the use of state and federal transportation dollars based upon research and data analysis of the state's transportation systems; manages the project selection process for the state highway rehabilitation and the major highway programs; and administers various local transportation, transit, airport, rail, harbor and other specialized aids programs. The Division of Transportation Investment Management includes the Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA), Bureau of Planning and Economic Development (BPED), the Bureau of State Highway Programs (BSHP), and the Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Railroads and Harbors (BTLRRH).
Position Summary
The first vacancy is the Railroad Project Engineer who is responsible for railroad engineering expertise and consultation to and on behalf of the Department for passenger rail and freight rail infrastructure projects. This position's primary purpose is to support rail engineering related matters associated with passenger rail operations and projects. This position also assists in railroad freight projects that are on the publicly owned corridors and the department's grants. In addition, this position is responsible for developing design and construction estimates, reviewing project plans, prepares technical exhibits to regulatory agencies, port facility inspections and track and structure inspections. The railroad project engineering includes wayside signals, track structure and appurtenances such as bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.
The second vacancy is the Railroad Facilities Engineer who is responsible for railroad engineering expertise and consultation to and on behalf of the Department for railroad property acquisitions, track rehabilitation, track maintenance, and new track construction. The position's primary purpose is to oversee and support the Freight Railroad Preservation Program (FRPP) and the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) activities, as authorized under state statutes 85.08 and 85.09. The position also assists rail facility construction projects funded by the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program. The railroad facility engineering includes the track structure and appurtenances such as bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.
Salary Information
The entry level is in schedule-range 14-14. Starting salary is between $64,854 and $73,840, depending on qualifications plus excellent benefits. Pay for internal candidates is determined per the compensation plan. Candidates starting at the minimum salary will receive incremental pay increases starting at 6 months and will receive increases every 6 months for the first 2 years. After 2 years of incremental increases, candidates will be at the top of the announced range (currently $73,840). Candidates with 1-3 years of experience will be hired based on their years of relevant professional work experience and may receive incremental pay increases depending on their level of experience upon hire. A 12-month probationary period is required.
The senior level is in schedule-range 14-13 with an annual salary of $80,870-99,403, depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period is required.
The advanced level is in schedule-range 14-13 with an annual salary of $90,064-108,950 depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period is required.
Job Details
WisDOT does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States. WisDOT is not an E-verify employer.
Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check which may include FBI fingerprinting.
Qualifications
A minimally qualified candidate upon hire, must have graduated, or will be graduating by May 2025, from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) ABET accredited college or university with a 4-year bachelor's degree (or Master's or PH.D.) in engineering OR possess a PE license (registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin OR a valid Professional Engineering registration and be able to obtain a Wisconsin PE registration within 3 months if PE registration is from another state).
Candidates at the senior level will meet the qualifications above, as well as have at least 4 years of professional transportation engineering project experience in the construction or design phases. Experience may include participating as a team member or leading transportation projects in design/construction, providing fieldwork guidance, providing technical consultation, tracking and reporting project progress, etc.
Candidates at the advanced level will meet all of the qualifications above, as well as have experience in rail or bridge components, inspections, and/or operations or experience in applying project management principles on roadway and/or track projects.
How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your application materials are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on how to develop and what should be included in these materials, click here . For more information on the basics of the selection process and how the State of WI ensures fair and equitable treatment of all applicants, click here . The vast majority of applicants are able to outline their background and experience in their resume in 1-3 pages. Any resumes submitted with more than 10 pages will not be considered after page 10. If this job posting requires a letter of qualifications, the same limit applies.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.
Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Questions related to the job and how to apply can be directed to Allison Huiras at 608-266-9725 or Allison.Huiras@dot.wi.gov . For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
May 2025 graduates encouraged to apply! Join our team as a Railroad Engineer (Civil Engineer Transportation)! We currently two openings at the entry, senior or advanced level! This position offers a hybridized work schedule. The position will be headquartered at and required to work from the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison, WI at least 2 days per week. All employees working a hybrid work schedule are still expected to telework from within the State of Wisconsin. This topic will be discussed more at the time of the interview.
WisDOT is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of paid leave time to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
- Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits ( health plan options start at just $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans after two months of employment)
- A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position's requirements
- An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
- Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
- A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being
- Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is an organization dedicated to creating transportation solutions through innovation and exceptional service. We are committed to fostering an environment rooted in Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Accountability. Click here to learn more about how we apply these values in our work.
The WisDOT Division of Transportation Investment Management (DTIM) conducts long-range, multimodal transportation planning; guides the use of state and federal transportation dollars based upon research and data analysis of the state's transportation systems; manages the project selection process for the state highway rehabilitation and the major highway programs; and administers various local transportation, transit, airport, rail, harbor and other specialized aids programs. The Division of Transportation Investment Management includes the Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA), Bureau of Planning and Economic Development (BPED), the Bureau of State Highway Programs (BSHP), and the Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Railroads and Harbors (BTLRRH).
Position Summary
The first vacancy is the Railroad Project Engineer who is responsible for railroad engineering expertise and consultation to and on behalf of the Department for passenger rail and freight rail infrastructure projects. This position's primary purpose is to support rail engineering related matters associated with passenger rail operations and projects. This position also assists in railroad freight projects that are on the publicly owned corridors and the department's grants. In addition, this position is responsible for developing design and construction estimates, reviewing project plans, prepares technical exhibits to regulatory agencies, port facility inspections and track and structure inspections. The railroad project engineering includes wayside signals, track structure and appurtenances such as bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.
The second vacancy is the Railroad Facilities Engineer who is responsible for railroad engineering expertise and consultation to and on behalf of the Department for railroad property acquisitions, track rehabilitation, track maintenance, and new track construction. The position's primary purpose is to oversee and support the Freight Railroad Preservation Program (FRPP) and the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) activities, as authorized under state statutes 85.08 and 85.09. The position also assists rail facility construction projects funded by the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program. The railroad facility engineering includes the track structure and appurtenances such as bridges, grade crossings, signals, and buildings.
Salary Information
The entry level is in schedule-range 14-14. Starting salary is between $64,854 and $73,840, depending on qualifications plus excellent benefits. Pay for internal candidates is determined per the compensation plan. Candidates starting at the minimum salary will receive incremental pay increases starting at 6 months and will receive increases every 6 months for the first 2 years. After 2 years of incremental increases, candidates will be at the top of the announced range (currently $73,840). Candidates with 1-3 years of experience will be hired based on their years of relevant professional work experience and may receive incremental pay increases depending on their level of experience upon hire. A 12-month probationary period is required.
The senior level is in schedule-range 14-13 with an annual salary of $80,870-99,403, depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period is required.
The advanced level is in schedule-range 14-13 with an annual salary of $90,064-108,950 depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. A 12-month probationary period is required.
Job Details
WisDOT does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States. WisDOT is not an E-verify employer.
Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check which may include FBI fingerprinting.
Qualifications
A minimally qualified candidate upon hire, must have graduated, or will be graduating by May 2025, from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) ABET accredited college or university with a 4-year bachelor's degree (or Master's or PH.D.) in engineering OR possess a PE license (registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin OR a valid Professional Engineering registration and be able to obtain a Wisconsin PE registration within 3 months if PE registration is from another state).
Candidates at the senior level will meet the qualifications above, as well as have at least 4 years of professional transportation engineering project experience in the construction or design phases. Experience may include participating as a team member or leading transportation projects in design/construction, providing fieldwork guidance, providing technical consultation, tracking and reporting project progress, etc.
Candidates at the advanced level will meet all of the qualifications above, as well as have experience in rail or bridge components, inspections, and/or operations or experience in applying project management principles on roadway and/or track projects.
How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your application materials are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on how to develop and what should be included in these materials, click here . For more information on the basics of the selection process and how the State of WI ensures fair and equitable treatment of all applicants, click here . The vast majority of applicants are able to outline their background and experience in their resume in 1-3 pages. Any resumes submitted with more than 10 pages will not be considered after page 10. If this job posting requires a letter of qualifications, the same limit applies.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.
Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Questions related to the job and how to apply can be directed to Allison Huiras at 608-266-9725 or Allison.Huiras@dot.wi.gov . For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.