Engineering Project Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly. VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for Virginia's state-supported passenger rail services. VPRA also is a funding partner on many Virginia Railway Express (VRE) initiatives and administers capital expansion projects, infrastructure, and land acquisitions related to the multi-billion-dollar Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which will double Amtrak and VRE service in Virginia over the next decade. The VPRA acts as a "responsible public entity" for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, or operation, or any combination thereof, of a "qualifying transportation facility" under the Public­ Private Partnership Act of 1995.Are you looking to kick‑start your engineering career on high‑impact rail infrastructure projects? If so, VPRA is looking for you! The Project Engineer will provide engineering proficiency and support, as well as project administration and project management support to the Senior Director of Projects and Project Managers responsible for the delivery of the Transforming Rail in Virginia program of projects, including the Long Bridge project, Franconia-Springfield Bypass, and other mainline track and siding projects between Washington, DC, and Richmond, VA. The Project Engineer will interact with VPRA's Program Support Team (PST) and various internal VPRA staff levels, rail partners, consultants, and stakeholders.VPRA is hiring two Engineering Project Managers, and applicants may apply to either the Richmond or Alexandria, VA, location. Candidates selected for the Alexandria location are eligible for a 15% geographical pay differential.Responsibilities:Support Project Managers with day-to-day activities associated with general project and/or construction management tasks, which may include interacting with VPRA's program partners and project stakeholders. Assist in providing technical, logistical, inspection, and administrative support to complete assigned project tasks within scope, schedule, and budget. Provide engineering support for projects being implemented by stakeholders.Support the management of Third-Party Projects being implemented by others within VPRA's rail corridors/propertyReview and respond to project plans and specifications and other project documents, such as RFIs, submittals, and correspondence, as assigned. Conduct site visits as needed in the performance of their duties.Assist with the procurement, management, and oversight of engineering consultants, including review of deliverables and invoices. Conduct research, prepare presentations, and develop white papers on engineering-related matters, as assigned. Assist the Project Managers and the Project Controls Manager in the development and management of project schedules and budgets, as well as project updates/status reports.Attend project progress meetings, draft meeting summaries, and assist with the distribution of materialsAssist with meeting minutes, report writing, and administrative tasks. Assist with document control for project records.Required Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related transportation field of study is required, or a combination of equivalent experience, education, and/or training. Preferred Education: Engineer in Training (EIT) designation.Required Experience:0-2 years of experience working for an engineering design consultant, construction contractor, railroad, transit agency, or other public entity that is delivering a capital program (can include internships).Solid understanding of civil engineering principles and construction practices, and experience applying the same. Ability to perform independent, detailed reviews of technical and engineering documents, including plans, specifications, submittals, schedules, budgets, contract documents, and official correspondence; and respond to the same as appropriate. Ability to conduct independent research into engineering-related matters, prepare reports, present findings, and make recommendations.Ability to provide engineering and project management support on several different projects simultaneously.Ability to work collaboratively with a project team to achieve stated goals and objectives.Familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and proven project management principles and practices.Ability to communicate verbally effectively and efficiently, and in writing.Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.Preferred Experience: Experience managing construction contractors from procurement through contract close-out. Experience in rail engineering with strong knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements and AREMA guidelines. Familiarity with Bluebeam for document review and collaboration and proficiency with MicroStation for design and drafting.Experience with engineering and design activities for passenger rail projects and familiarity with railroad engineering principles related to track and station elements. Knowledge of procurement methodology and experience developing the technical portions of procurement documents.Are you interested in this position, but you don't meet every single requirement? At VPRA, we are dedicated to building a talented team and an inclusive, authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other positions.Applicants must fully and accurately represent their qualifications and work history on the application or resume. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information in the application, resume, or other relevant documents; therefore, applicants must supply detailed information. Submitting an incomplete application/resume or an application/resume lacking in detail may impact your interview eligibility. This website will confirm receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Equal Opportunity Employer