Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway | Manager Engineering Capital Projects (WLE-0100)

Manager Engineering Capital Projects

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) is seeking an experienced Manager Engineering Capital Projects to join our Engineering team in Brewster, Ohio.

This position is responsible for managing railroad infrastructure and engineering projects from concept through completion. Working closely with Operations, Procurement, Legal, Real Estate, contractors, and other stakeholders, this role helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget while supporting the railroad's infrastructure needs across all Wheeling properties.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, process-driven professional with strong railroad engineering and project management experience who can successfully balance multiple priorities in a complex operating environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate railroad engineering and infrastructure projects from concept to completion.

• Manage railroad infrastructure projects, including field inspections, scope development, and project execution.

• Coordinate design repairs and construction activities.

• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to support project delivery.

• Develop project bid packages, evaluate contractor proposals, and support the contractor selection process.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractors, overseeing schedules, work performance, and project completion.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, documentation, and contractor payments.

• Identify and mitigate project risks while maintaining project objectives.

• Perform evaluations and develop capital spending recommendations.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Prepare and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership.

• Participate in project meetings and communicate project status across departments.

• Represent the railroad with contractors, landowners, public agencies, and other external parties.

• Participate in a weekend on-call rotation supporting 24/7 railroad operations, typically no more than once per month.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.

• 5-10+ years of railroad field experience.

• 5+ years of railroad project management experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to travel throughout the day and occasionally overnight as projects require.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Ohio or Pennsylvania, or the ability to obtain licensure through accreditation.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.

Why Join W&LE?

• Lead infrastructure projects that support railroad operations across the Wheeling system.

• Work collaboratively with multiple departments and stakeholders throughout the organization.

• Play a key role in capital planning and project execution.

• Join a team committed to safety, operational excellence, and successful project delivery.

Work Environment

This position includes both office and field responsibilities and requires travel throughout the railroad system. The role also participates in a rotating on-call schedule supporting a 24/7 railroad operation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, professional, and inclusive work environment for all employees.