Job DescriptionThis OpportunityThe Resident Engineer will serve as NICTD's on-site representative and primary point of contact during construction of the South Bend Rail Realignment Project. This individual will provide day-to-day oversight of all construction activities and ensure the work is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contract requirements.
The project includes railroad infrastructure, track construction, bridge and drainage improvements, utility coordination, roadway modifications, grade crossings, station-related facilities, and associated civil improvements. The Resident Engineer will lead field coordination among the contractor, NICTD, stakeholders, utilities, regulatory agencies, and the design team while managing inspection staff and contract administration activities throughout construction.
Your ImpactConstruction Oversight & Contract Administration- Provide full-time, on-site oversight of all construction activities associated with rail, civil, structural, utility, roadway, and drainage improvements.
- Act as NICTD's authorized on-site representative for administration of the construction contract.
- Interpret and enforce contract plans, specifications, standards, permits, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate daily activities between the contractor, NICTD, design team, utilities, and other stakeholders.
- Lead construction progress meetings and prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and action item tracking.
- Maintain comprehensive project records, including daily reports, correspondence, field documentation, and photographic records.
Schedule, Cost & Change Management- Review and monitor the contractor's baseline schedule and periodic updates to evaluate progress and identify potential risks.
- Coordinate with NICTD and the contractor to address schedule delays and develop recovery strategies when required.
- Review contractor pay estimates, quantities, and supporting documentation prior to client approval.
- Evaluate Requests for Information (RFIs), field changes, claims, and change order proposals, and provide recommendations to NICTD.
- Track project costs, contract modifications, contingency utilization, and potential risks.
Quality Assurance & Inspection Management- Manage and direct inspection staff to ensure construction activities comply with approved plans, specifications, and quality requirements.
- Coordinate review of contractor submittals, shop drawings, work plans, and material certifications.
- Oversee field testing, inspection documentation, and quality assurance activities.
- Verify compliance with railroad standards, safety requirements, and project-specific construction procedures.
- Lead punch list development, substantial completion reviews, final inspections, and project closeout activities.
Railroad Coordination & Operations- Coordinate construction activities occurring within railroad right-of-way and maintain communication with railroad operations personnel.
- Monitor contractor compliance with railroad safety requirements, track outage restrictions, and approved work plans.
- Support coordination of flagging, track access, utility relocations, and operational constraints that may affect project delivery.
- Assist in maintaining safe and uninterrupted rail operations throughout construction.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance- Promote and maintain a strong project safety culture.
- Monitor contractor compliance with approved Safety and Health Plans, railroad safety requirements, and OSHA regulations.
- Identify and promptly address unsafe conditions or practices observed in the field.
- Ensure compliance with environmental permits and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Stakeholder Coordination & Communication- Serve as the primary field liaison between NICTD, the contractor, design consultants, utilities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
- Provide regular written and verbal reports regarding project progress, schedule, budget, quality, safety, risks, and key issues.
- Support public agency and stakeholder coordination efforts as needed throughout construction.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, an adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related polices and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You AreRequired Qualifications- Minimum of 10 years of progressive construction management, construction engineering, or construction inspection experience.
- Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or equivalent experience
- Experience serving as a Resident Engineer, Construction Manager, or similar leadership role on major transportation infrastructure projects.
- Experience overseeing railroad, transit, roadway, bridge, or heavy civil construction projects.
- Demonstrated experience in construction contract administration, including pay estimates, RFIs, change orders, claims, scheduling, and project documentation.
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, risk management, and stakeholder coordination for complex infrastructure projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Professional Engineer (PE) license in Indiana or ability to obtain reciprocity.
- Experience working on railroad or transit infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with NICTD, INDOT, FRA, FTA, or commuter rail project requirements.
- Experience coordinating utility relocations and maintaining construction within active transportation corridors.
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification.
- Experience with electronic construction management systems such as e-Builder, Procore, or similar platforms.
Work Environment- Full-time, field-based position requiring daily presence at the project site during active construction.
- Frequent interaction with railroad personnel, contractors, utility companies, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
- Exposure to active construction sites, heavy equipment, railroad operations, and varying weather conditions.
- Occasional night and weekend work may be required to support railroad outages, critical construction activities, or schedule-driven operations.
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