Rail Facilities Engineer (Principal Engineer, Sr Engineer, or Engineer)

Rail Facilities Engineer (Principal Engineer, Sr Engineer, or Engineer)

Salary: See Position Description Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00137 Division: Metro Transit Department: Engineering Opening Date: 03/18/2026 Closing Date: 4/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description

WHO WE ARE We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

Metro Transits Engineering Department is responsible for the development and construction of Metro Transits public and support facilities. In the public facility area, they plan, design, and construct improvements to the rail and bus network including, for example, bus and rail stations, maintenance facilities, park and rides, and other passenger facilities. Engineering and Facilities has built and maintains over 2 million square feet of office and industrial space. Transits Engineering and Facilities group oversee a capital budget program of $100-$150 million dollars annually and lead the effort to develop, design, and construct transit infrastructure and systems.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: As a Rail Facilities Engineer, you will lead multiple transit projects varying in size and complexity, developing or assisting in project budgets and schedules, monitoring costs and progress, anticipating potential problem areas, identifying and implementing measures to keep the projects within budget and on schedule.

This posting may be used to establish a six-month eligibility pool for current and future openings.

What you would do in this job

• Lead/assist small to large projects from 3 months to 3 years in duration.
• Develop or assist in the development of scope of services and other non-standard provisions of RFPs and consultant contracts.
• Participate in contract negotiations and the evaluation of proposals.
• Assist in or develop project plans, specifications, and estimates to implement assigned capital and operating projects.
• Use independent judgment, perform independently on most assignments, and receive technical guidance on unusual problems.
• Contribute as project engineer and project team member on projects that vary in size and complexity and may manage several projects concurrently.
• Coordinate projects with external entities and stakeholders who may be affected by the project or program (Units of Government, the public, private parties and regulatory bodies).
• Monitor the work of consulting engineers for conformance with contract requirements and administers those contacts.
• Advise the Councils construction representative relative to design and costs issues during construction phase of various projects.
• Receive occasional assistance from principal engineers in the performance of duties.
• Provide engineer services in the planning, design, construction and implementation of capital improvement projects associated with Metro Transit.
• Lead/assist coordination efforts with other Metro Transit departments to identify project goals, project budget, timelines for project completion.
• Serve as project manager for RFP or IFB processes on various service and construction contracts working with the Purchasing and Finance Departments.

Note: Job duties will vary based on the classification level hired.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) The vacancy will be filled at one of the following classifications, based on the candidates qualifications and the needs of the department.

Principal Engineer (Non-Represented Grade I, $96,512 - $156,624)

• Bachelor degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and five (5) years of related experience as an Engineer.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota or a state with reciprocity.

Senior Engineer (Non-Represented Grade H, $89,232 - $144,830)

• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) OR Bachelors degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and at least four (4) years of related experience as an Engineer.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).

Engineer (Non-Represented Grade G, $82,555 - $133,973)

• Bachelors degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and at least two (2) years of related engineering experience.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire.

Valid drivers license with acceptable driving record required for all positions.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience in the design and construction of one or more of the following:
• Rehab/Repair of Rail/Bus Stations
• Rehab/Repair of Rail/Bus Operations and Maintenance Facilities
• Track Infrastructure
• Signalized Rail Grade Crossings, Rail Signal Priority/Pre-emption
• Traction Power
• Experience in project management and coordination of multiple disciplines.
• Experience and technical knowledge in the preparation of plans and specifications.
• Experience in leading and facilitating meetings with very complex and detailed materials.
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationships with diverse workforce.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of engineering theories and principles of design and construction.
• Knowledge of engineering/architectural design and construction.
• Knowledge of project management methods/techniques.
• Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Adobe Pro, and Bluebeam.
• Knowledge of technical specification procedures, project proposals, cost estimates and bidding procedures.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to provide basic client services to interagency stakeholders, the public and other agencies.
• Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
• Making effective use of technology.
• Analyzes information to effectively identify and define problems, create solutions and make decisions.
• Performs work with accuracy and thoroughness; uses time productively and maintains priorities despite unexpected circumstances; identifies and addresses important details in the work.
• Works effectively in a team structure; demonstrates commitment to achieving team goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision and assistance.
• Maintains a good attendance record, completes work on time, and follows policies and operating procedures.

What you can expect from us: We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. More about why you should join us!

Additional information

What your work environment will be: Work is primarily performed in a standard office work environment however there will be some travel from primary work site to other sites and to construction sites. At times this position will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, near moving parts and equipment, fumes and airborne particles, electrical items, and walking on uneven surfaces.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

• If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record and any criminal record.
• If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
• If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund.
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan.
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%.
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance.

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• Bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• Parking at many job locations
• Fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• Extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01 Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attached a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.

I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions. [ ] Yes [ ] No

02 How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• Twitter
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Mass Transit Magazine
• Progressive Railroading
• American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA)
• Other

03 If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. OR if you selected Employee Referral, indicate the employees full name and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04 Do you have a Professional Engineer license in Minnesota or a state with reciprocity? [ ] Yes [ ] No

05 Have you successfully completed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam? [ ] Yes [ ] No

06 Do you have a valid drivers license? [ ] Yes [ ] No

07 Which of the following areas do you have experience in related to design and/or construction of transit facilities? Check all that apply.

• Rehab/Repair of Rail Stations
• Rehab/Repair of Rail Operations and Maintenance Facilities
• Track Infrastructure
• Rail Signal /Communication Systems
• Signalized Rail Grade Crossings, Rail Priority/Pre-emption
• Traction Power
• None of the above

08 If you answered that you have experience in the design and/or construction of transit facilities in question 7, please describe your area(s) of experience and include where the experience took place and briefly describe the duties performed. If this does not apply, type "N/A."

09 Please select the areas below with which you have work experience: Check all that apply.

• Experience and technical knowledge in the preparation of plans and specifications
• Experience in project management
• Experience in coordination of multiple disciplines
• Experience in construction estimating
• Experience in scheduling
• None of the above

10 If you answered that you have experience in the areas in question 9, please describe your area(s) of experience and include where the experience took place and briefly describe the duties performed. If this does not apply, type "N/A."

11 This position requires collaboration with both internal and external customers. How would you build trust and relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures?

Employer: Metropolitan Council Address: 390 Robert St. N. St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101 Website: https://metrocouncil.org