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.

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD& D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About us

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 over 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.

Michael Baker International is seeking an Inspector - Rail to join the team in our Alexandria, VA office.