Full-Time

Railroad Construction Observer

Olsson

Olsson

1,001-5,000 employees

Engineering firm delivering community-focused designs.

Compensation Overview

$40 - $50/hr

+ Bonus

Houston, TX, USA + 3 more

More locations: Dallas, TX, USA | Fort Worth, TX, USA | Denver, CO, USA

In Person

Willing to travel 90-100% across multiple states; on-site project locations.

Bachelor's, Master's

Category
Architecture & Civil Engineering (1)

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Requirements
  • Travel expectations for this position are estimated at 90% - 100% and will require visiting different projects across multiple states.
  • Some work may occur over nights and/ or weekends but is not common.
  • Regular travel home is planned for and included based on actual project coverage needs.
  • All travel costs are paid for by Olsson.
  • Construction Observer position located in the Houston, TX, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX or Denver, CO area.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience as a railroad FRA 213 qualified individual
  • Proficiency in GCOR (General Code of Operating Rules)
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate potential coordination challenges between railroads and their contractors, along with a proactive approach to effectively mitigate these issues
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule
  • Bachelor’s or Associate degree in construction management, engineering, or other related field is preferred but not required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
Responsibilities
  • Understand third-party plan submittals
  • Observe and document construction activities for compliance with railroad guidelines and approved submittals
  • Coordinate with Olsson Construction Manager about any deficiencies with plan compliance
  • Initiate actions with the on-site Contractor Safety Officer as needed to keep third-party contractors aligned with railroad safety and quality requirements
  • Coordinate effectively with internal and external railroad stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration
Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Associate degree in construction management, engineering, or related field is preferred but not required
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate potential coordination challenges between railroads and their contractors, with a proactive approach to mitigate

Olsson is an engineering firm that designs and delivers infrastructure and environmental projects to improve communities. It provides civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering services across planning, design, permitting, and construction support, guiding projects from concept through construction. The work combines site assessments, calculations, modeling, and field implementation to create practical, buildable solutions for transportation, water, energy, and habitat projects. Olsson differentiates itself through its integrated, multi-discipline approach and close collaboration with clients, offering end-to-end services and a hands-on project delivery model that emphasizes constructibility and real-world outcomes. The company’s goal is to help communities function better by delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure and environmental improvements.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Lincoln, Nebraska

Founded

1956

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announced majority investment on January 13, 2026, funding expansion.
  • Sarah Foster became president on July 8, 2026, sharpening execution and growth accountability.
  • Olsson acquired FTN Associates in 2025 and grew headcount to 2,603 by March 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Morgan Stanley Capital Partners controls Olsson after January 13, 2026, ending employee control.
  • FTN integration from 2025 can distract managers and trigger client turnover through 2026.
  • Sarah Foster must deliver growth fast; underperformance risks PE-driven restructuring and senior departures.

What makes Olsson unique

  • Olsson has 2,000-plus employees across 35 U.S. offices, spanning infrastructure end markets.
  • Founded in 1956, Olsson combines employee ownership with engineering, design, and consulting depth.
  • Olsson’s water, transportation, power, industrial, and federal practices create cross-sell resilience.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Wellness Program

Performance Bonus

Flexible Work Hours

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

7%

1 year growth

7%

2 year growth

7%
Morgan Stanley
Jan 14th, 2026
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners Makes Majority Investment in Olsson, Inc. | Morgan Stanley

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP) today announced a majority investment in Olsson, Inc. (Olsson).

PE Hub
Jan 13th, 2026
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners acquires majority stake in 2,000-employee engineering firm Olsson

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners has acquired a majority stake in Olsson, a Lincoln, Nebraska-based engineering and design firm, according to PE Hub. Founded in 1956, Olsson employs over 2,000 people and provides infrastructure engineering design and consulting services to public and private clients. The company serves markets including technology, transportation, water infrastructure, power, industrial and federal sectors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Intelligence360 News
Oct 6th, 2023
Olsson To Expand Into New Space In Irvine California.

Olsson to expand into new space in Irvine California. Olsson to expand into new space in Irvine California.Irvine, California — According to state and local development sources, Olsson plans to build out new space in Irvine. The company plans to occupy the new space at 250 Commerce # 220 in Irvine, on or about May 1, 2024. According to the company website We are Olsson, a nationally recognized, employee-owned engineering and design firm with a rich history of success. Founded in 1956 on the very mindset that drives us today, were here to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected, and more efficient. Simply put, we work to leave the world better than we found it

Omaha World-Herald
Jan 31st, 2023
OLSSON

Olsson closes deal to acquire Nielsen-Baumert Engineering, Inc.