Design Engineer

As a Design Engineer at CSX, your primary responsibilities include developing preliminary and detailed designs for multiple infrastructure projects, collaborating with the Project Manager and various engineering consultants. You'll also prepare project estimates, review contractor invoices, and ensure all work adheres to CSX safety standards and best practices, making this role vital to maintaining exceptional railroad services.

To be considered for the Design Engineer position at CSX, candidates typically need a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Equally eligible are those with an Associate degree, combined with at least five years of relevant engineering experience. Preferred qualifications include a PE license and strong knowledge of safety regulations and engineering practices.

A successful Design Engineer at CSX should possess strong knowledge of engineering methods, project management skills, and familiarity with software tools like Microstation and Oracle. Leadership abilities, time management skills, and the capacity to create and understand design drawings are essential for effective execution of responsibilities.

Design Engineers at CSX should be proficient in software tools such as Microstation for design sketches and general engineering work, as well as Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Intermediate skills in Oracle and basic CAD tools like AutoCAD are also beneficial in this role.

The Design Engineer at CSX can expect to work in both office and outdoor environments. You'll need to wear protective equipment and potentially work in various weather conditions. Flexibility in your schedule is also essential, as some business needs may require adjusted hours.

In preparing for this question, highlight your experience with key software like Microstation and AutoCAD, emphasizing specific projects where these tools were central to your design process. Discuss how your proficiency has enhanced your work efficiency and effectiveness.

You can effectively answer this by explaining your familiarity with CSX safety standards, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, and how you incorporate these guidelines into your design processes. Mention any relevant experiences where you successfully navigated safety compliance.

Choose a specific project that had significant challenges, detailing the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome. Discuss skills like problem-solving and stakeholder collaboration that you utilized to successfully manage the project.

Explain your method for developing accurate project estimates, including how you gather data, assess needs, and consider historical project costs. Mention any software tools you use to assist in the estimating process.

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools or methodologies, staying organized, and maintaining open communication with team members to ensure timelines are met without compromising quality.

Share a specific instance when you collaborated with other professionals, detailing how you communicated, coordinated efforts, and shared responsibilities to achieve a common goal, underscoring your teamwork and collaboration skills.

Discuss any specific safety initiatives you contributed to, how they were implemented in your projects, and the positive outcomes that resulted from prioritizing safety in engineering practices.

Highlight your openness to feedback and how it’s a critical part of iterative design processes. Discuss how you respond positively to constructive criticism and apply it to improve your designs.

Share your passion for railroad infrastructure, your enthusiasm for working on complex engineering challenges, and how the values and culture of CSX align with your career aspirations.

Discuss your methods for continuing education, such as attending workshops, industry conferences, and pursuing certifications, as well as following relevant publications and communities to stay ahead in the field.