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!
Public Project Manager – Railroad
Benesch’s National Railroad Division is hiring for our Public Projects team, supporting railroad and public agency clients on infrastructure projects that directly impact safety and mobility. Working at the intersection of rail operations and public transportation, we manage projects from planning through construction in close partnership with DOTs, municipalities, and railroads. We coordinate across multiple stakeholders, navigate complex regulatory requirements, and keep projects on track, serving as a critical link between public agencies and real-world rail operations.
We are hiring a Public Project Manager to support infrastructure projects across the Western U.S. This is a strong opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys owning projects end to end, and has experience managing work from early design through construction. In this role, you will take ownership of project delivery, work directly with public agencies, and contribute to impactful infrastructure projects that shape rail transportation across the country, all while growing your career within our nationally recognized Rail Division with remote flexibility.
Location
This role offers remote flexibility; however, candidates must be located in California due to travel requirements to project sites.
The Impact You Will Have
• You will take ownership of project delivery and play a key role in keeping projects moving forward by:
• Leading and supporting project teams to ensure strong performance and accountability
• Executing project work plans in coordination with the Group Manager
• Managing project scope, schedule, and budget, while tracking performance and progress
• Supporting cost estimating efforts, including unit pricing for additional work
• Reviewing financial reports and providing clear project updates
• Coordinating with survey teams and other internal stakeholders
• Overseeing day-to-day project operations and maintaining accurate documentation
• Preparing and reviewing project correspondence, reports, and deliverables
• Leading project meetings and driving follow-ups with internal teams and clients
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with public agency clients
• Coordinating with subconsultants and supporting contract development
• Assisting with negotiations and helping resolve project-related issues
• Ensuring compliance with quality standards, procedures, and project requirements
• Supporting invoicing, contract compliance, and client follow-ups
• Capturing lessons learned and supporting continuous improvement
• Leading project closeout activities and contributing to staff development
• Managing field logistics, including vehicles and equipment as needed
What We Are Looking For
• High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience managing or owning project assignments across multiple states
• Experience supporting projects from preliminary engineering through construction
• Strong understanding of civil engineering or railroad infrastructure projects preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Experience working with local and state agencies or public sector clients
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
• Valid driver’s license required. Candidates must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, which reviews driving history for safety and compliance, and a drug screening. #LI-AG1
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay Act. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on numerous factors, including but not limited to individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and geographic location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary, overtime, and bonuses.
California Pay Transparency $45—$60 USD
Why Work at Benesch
At Benesch, we prioritize the health and wellness of our employees, understanding that their well-being is crucial for both personal and professional success. We offer a range of benefits for eligible employees, including insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support a healthy lifestyle and can be customized to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Click here to learn more about some of the benefits of working at Benesch!
Professional Development
• Opportunities for management and leadership development at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development for Team Leaders, Group Managers, Division Managers, and Executive Leaders
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses
• Ongoing professional development through resources like Red Vector, LinkedIn Learning, technical team meetings, and knowledge-sharing training sessions
• Personalized training and career development plans with your manager
• Funding for training, committee work, professional organization memberships, and licenses/certifications
• Support for active participation in professional organizations to foster leadership and community engagement
Retirement Benefits
• Access to valuable retirement planning tools, education, and individual meetings with plan advisors at no charge
• Potential for Benesch to contribute up to 9% of your gross compensation to your retirement plan (5% profit-sharing contribution to your 401(k) plan, regardless of your own contributions, & 80% match on your contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 4%)
Work/Life Balance
• Flexible work schedules and hours, including work-from-home options (dependent on the role)
• Generous Paid Time Benefits (PTB) that increase with your career
• Immediate use of annual PTB; no accrual needed, with the ability to bundle time-off plans for extended vacations or life events
• Ten days of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
Employee Engagement
• At Benesch, we encourage our team members to extend their impact beyond their core responsibilities. Join our employee resource groups and committees to enhance your work-life balance and contribute to our community-focused initiatives. We support a variety of programs, including community service, student scholarships, and matching gift opportunities, reflecting our commitment to a vibrant and diverse workplace.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.
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.
Know your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is found.
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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact]. 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.
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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact]