1

Junior Rails Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... railways and other concrete and structural components such as foundations, drainage devices ... Join one of the largest construction firms in the country (Engineering News-Record [ENR]: #1 in ...

... railways and other concrete and structural components such as foundations, drainage devices ... Join one of the largest construction firms in the country (Engineering News-Record [ENR]: #1 in ...

... railways and other concrete and structural components such as foundations, drainage devices ... Join one of the largest construction firms in the country (Engineering News-Record [ENR]: #1 in ...

Senior Track Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$167K - $200K/yr

Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems * Yard and siding layouts * At-grade crossings * Prepare ... Mentor junior engineers and technical staff. * Participate in client meetings, presentations, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Rails Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$23.3K

$86.2K

$133.2K

How much do junior rails developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior rails developer in Illinois is $86,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a junior Rails developer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Junior Rails Developer, you can expect to work on tasks such as fixing bugs, writing and maintaining tests, and implementing small features under the guidance of more experienced developers. You'll likely participate in code reviews, collaborate closely with product managers and designers, and be encouraged to learn best practices in coding and version control. The environment is typically supportive, with regular feedback and opportunities to ask questions, making it a great setting for professional growth. Over time, you may gradually take on more complex assignments and begin to contribute to architectural discussions.

What is the difference between Junior Rails Developer vs Ruby on Rails Developer?

AspectJunior Rails DeveloperRuby on Rails Developer
Experience LevelEntry-level, 0-2 yearsMid to senior level, 2+ years
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in development, learning codebaseDesigning, developing, maintaining Rails applications
Required SkillsBasic Ruby/Rails knowledge, eagerness to learnStrong Ruby/Rails skills, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentStartups, small teams, internshipsEstablished companies, tech firms, agencies

The main difference between a Junior Rails Developer and a Ruby on Rails Developer lies in experience and responsibilities. Junior Rails Developers are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and assisting with tasks, while Ruby on Rails Developers have more experience and handle complex development projects independently.

What does a junior Rails developer do?

A Junior Rails Developer is an entry-level software engineer who works with Ruby on Rails, a popular web development framework. Their responsibilities typically include writing and maintaining code, fixing bugs, collaborating with other developers, and learning best practices for web application development. Junior Rails Developers often assist in building features, performing tests, and ensuring applications run smoothly while gaining experience and mentorship from more senior team members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior Rails developer?

To thrive as a Junior Rails Developer, you need a solid understanding of Ruby, Ruby on Rails framework, basic front-end languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with tools like Git, PostgreSQL or MySQL, and test frameworks such as RSpec is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help you collaborate within development teams and grow in the role. These skills are important because they enable you to build, maintain, and improve web applications efficiently while adapting to evolving project requirements.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Rails Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Rails Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Rails Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,220 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Project Manager - Railroad Civil Track Design

Benesch

Naperville, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$110K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you'll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don't meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don't be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!


Project Manager - Railroad Civil Track Design

Join the growing Civil Track team within the national Railroad Division at Benesch, where you will help lead complex rail infrastructure projects that are shaping and expanding transportation networks across the country. This team delivers high impact work ranging from mainline and corridor track improvements to rail yard and terminal expansions, siding extensions, industrial track programs, and fast paced design build initiatives supporting both freight and commuter rail operations nationwide.

This role will support projects similar to Metra's $100M UPRR West Line 3rd Main Track expansion program, which includes the addition of 7.8 miles of third mainline track through Chicago's western suburbs. Project exposure may include multidisciplinary coordination tied to track design, bridge and retaining wall improvements, grading and drainage, station and parking lot reconstruction, roadway and waterway crossings, permitting, and right of way activities.

As a Project Manager for the Civil Track team, you will lead multidisciplinary rail projects, manage key client relationships, mentor engineering staff, and support business development efforts that help grow Benesch's rail presence. Approximately 25% of this role focuses on relationship building, proposals, and market growth. This is more than a delivery role. It is an opportunity to help shape a high-performing rail team while supporting major freight and passenger rail clients. With a strong backlog and rising demand, this position is critical to advancing project delivery, expanding client partnerships, and driving long-term growth.

Location

This position offers hybrid flexibility in the following offices that support Railroad Track operations and business development: Omaha, NE; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Naperville, IL; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC

Fully remote arrangements may be considered for highly experienced candidates, though in-office collaboration is preferred when managing direct team members.

The Impact You Will Have
  • Lead railroad track design and infrastructure projects from planning through design and into construction support
  • Manage scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring high-quality delivery. Serve as a seller-doer by building client relationships, identifying opportunities, and supporting proposal development
  • Collaborate with Project Managers and Group Leaders across the national Railroad Division to balance resources and workload
  • Mentor and guide engineering staff ranging from junior engineers to senior technical professionals
  • Support major railroad clients while helping expand relationships with short-line and regional railroads
  • Represent Benesch at industry events, conferences, and client meetings
What We Are Looking For
  • Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • 12+ years of industry experience with at least 8 years focused on rail track design
  • Proficiency with MicroStation and Inroads or OpenRoads or OpenRail
  • Experience managing scope, schedule, and budget on complex projects
  • Strong client-facing experience with established industry relationships
  • Experience supporting or leading proposal development
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical staff and review engineering drawings.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer committed to a professional, inclusive, and compliant workplace. We follow all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those related to non-discrimination, pay transparency, and equal opportunity for protected groups such as veterans and individuals with disabilities. This includes adhering to regulations related to equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, pay transparency, and any other legislation relevant to the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Learn More about Pay Transparency at Benesch

Pay Range
$110,000—$180,000 USD

Why Benesch

It's simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

  • Career growth that's real with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward
  • Strong financial future with up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees
  • Flexibility that works with schedules that support your life
  • Time to recharge with generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees
  • Support beyond work through mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one

Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll have the support and exposure to grow here.

Explore our full benefits here: Click here

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing TalentAcquisition@benesch.com. This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

Know your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is found.

External Recruiters and Staffing Agencies

Benesch shall have no obligation to compensate any external recruiter or search firm for candidate submissions made without a valid, current, and fully executed agreement. Submission of candidate information does not establish entitlement to a fee.

All recruiting activity must be coordinated and authorized through the Benesch Talent Acquisition team. Please direct all communications to TalentAcquisition@Benesch.com