Young Engineers Under 40: Focused on Engineering Excellence Every Day

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/AU USAnakul

Each year, we ask the railroad industry to nominate those young engineers it sees as being the leaders of tomorrow. Of course, with all the engineers in the industry, there are many worthy candidates who are not nominated. However, among our readership, we received approximately 40 nominees of candidates who their peers think highly of them and the RT&S Staff chooses 12 of them who, we believe, are among the absolute best in the industry. 

With increasing traffic, longer freight trains, and more unpredictable weather often wreaking havoc on rail infrastructure, the engineering teams at our nation’s railroads face tremendous challenges. Not only mental and intellectual challenges supported by the bachelor’s and master’s engineering study, but also the willingness and capability to be out in all kinds of weather at all times of the day or not. Railroad engineering is not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, without these teams of dedicated and talented individuals, the industry could not provide the transportation service needed to keep our economy humming. 

We hope you enjoy reading about these remarkable members of our industry who focus on engineering excellence every day. 

Stephen Hager 
Rail Engineer – Engineer IV, RailPros
Irving, Texas 

As a project engineer and project manager with over seven years of experience in the rail industry, Stephen is making a strong impact through his contributions to projects throughout California and the western United States. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, he specializes in track design and has extensive experience with geometric design, track grading and drainage, plan production and cost estimating. His design experience also encompasses rail-highway grade crossings, train horn Quiet Zone improvements, railroad stations, roadways and sidewalks, bus stops, and bus/light rail maintenance facilities. Stephen is currently providing design services for numerous owners of industrial tracks across the western United States. He also has extensive knowledge of railroad operations and has experience as a locomotive engineer, conductor, brakeman, and rules instructor. In addition, he has strong knowledge in the areas of electrical, air brake, and diesel engine maintenance. This unique combination of rail engineering and operational expertise has allowed him to identify and correct constructability and operational problems with multiple planned projects and improve quality. 

In addition to his professional work, Stephen has played a major role in engaging and educating the public about the railroad industry’s history in his region through extensive volunteer work. 

When tackling challenging design projects, Stephen is skilled at balancing multiple design objectives as he comes up with creative solutions that consider both the client and community needs. One example of this is his work on a track alignment alternatives analysis for a railroad tunnel under the City of Del Mar, which would bypass the existing track atop the geographically unstable Del Mar Bluffs along the Pacific Ocean. As Stephen designed multiple alternative horizontal alignments in CAD design software, he balanced several objectives, including the need to minimize private property takes at the tunnel portals, maximize track speed objectives for passenger trains, and use suitable degrees of curvature and superelevation that would be an acceptable compromise between faster-moving passenger trains and slower-moving freight trains. The alternative horizontal alignments Stephen created were ultimately used in the Project Study Report as it laid out the project needs, alternatives, and projected costs. 

Lakeiah A. Johnson 
Senior Telecommunication Engineer, Metra
Chicago

With a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology from Grambling State University and a master’s in engineering management from the University of Chicago, Lakeiah played a key role in enhancing physical security at Metra by leading a project to upgrade the existing video system with AI technology, significantly enhancing surveillance capabilities. Lakeiah has contributed to designing projects and developing proposals for infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, participation in Positive Train Control deployment and FCC licensing have strengthened operational safety and compliance. 

Lakeiah is enhancing AI integration, improve system reliability, and pursue professional development. Also, strengthening leadership by mentoring colleagues, advancing PTC and compliance efforts, and fostering cross-department collaboration. 

Finally, Lakeiah has strengthened Metra’s culture by actively participating in events like Family Days, fostering community, teamwork, and inclusivity. This has enhanced morale, workplace camaraderie, and enhancing employee satisfaction, reinforcing Metra’s family-oriented values. 

Daniel Loureiro 
Chief Assistant Capital Planning and Track Standards, Canadian National
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

A graduate from the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Daniel is a seasoned railway engineer with over 15 years of leadership experience across the CN system, specializing in railway maintenance, operations, and capital program planning and execution. Proven expertise in technical and regulatory aspects, with a strong focus on optimizing efficiency, safety, and operational performance. Committed to driving service excellence while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ensuring the safety of people, the public, and our infrastructure. 

Daniel is focused on team development and is building a strong team, and morale is improving as the team takes shape and adapts to new roles, indicating his ability to foster a positive and productive team culture. Daniel has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the community, particularly through his involvement with local food banks. His dedication to this important cause reflects his sense of social responsibility and his drive to make a positive impact in the fight against cancer, showcasing his genuine commitment to improving the lives of others in the community. 

Daniel faced significant challenges developing a health and sustainable safety culture during some of his operational roles. Despite initial skepticism, he remained determined to emphasize the value and long-term benefits of the change. Rather than pushing his perspective, Daniel took a collaborative approach by organizing informative sessions where he presented clear data, real-life examples, and the broader impact of the initiative. He also actively listened to concerns, addressing any misconceptions or doubts with patience and understanding. 

Matthew Morelli 
Senior Engineering Lead, Signals & Communications, Metrolinx
Ontario, Canada

With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Ryerson University, Matt has been on the front line of railway safety through signal engineering design and assurance.

His contributions to railway signaling safety include:  

• Performing signal designs for many fixed block Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) wayside systems including end-of-siding, intermediate, and multi-track controlled locations. 

• Performing signal designs for crossing warning systems (CWS) in single and multi-track environments. 

• Creating and modifying track plans, route and aspect plans, and board plans in accordance with Transport Canada requirements. 

• Modifying Alstom Electrologixs custom applications to control wayside systems and performing simulation of the application logic using signal application testing system software. 

• Modifying Safetran GEO applications to control wayside systems, and simulation of the application logic using GEO configuration suite. 

In addition to the list of Matt’s technical achievements, he has been a great mentor and leader to our junior engineers, often going above and beyond in his coaching and sharing of knowledge to others. Matt gives back to the community in several ways. For example, Matt will coach the upcoming five and under youth girls soccer team at the City of Vaughn Soccer Club in summer 2025. Matt previously volunteered at the St. Francis Table, Scott Mission, the Food Bank, and at various retirement centers. As shown in his work, Matt has a passionate, curious mindset that has helped implement new and novel solutions to the very challenging problems faced by Metrolinx. 

Janakiraman (Jan) Muthaiah 
Senior Manager, Track Engineering, CPKC
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Jan has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering design & analysis. He also earned a post graduate certificate in engineering business and safety management. He began his career in the rail industry as a track inspector, where he developed a robust foundational knowledge of track systems. His expertise in budget oversight and maintenance quickly became apparent, leading to his promotion to a management role within the structures (bridges) group. 

Jan has completed hydrology training and management for water, and he has researched how it interacts with different types of bridges. He implemented emergency procedures for ice flow management during flood stages. 

Jan is driven by a clear ambition to progress from a hands-on leadership role to the position of Director, with the ultimate goal of becoming a senior leader within the engineering field. Eager to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible along the way, he is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. 

Jan is a dedicated volunteer for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), and organization that supports individuals affected by blindness or vision impairment. In his volunteer role, Jan contributes by training dogs to become service animals. His efforts ensure that these dogs are well-prepared and equipped to be placed successfully in homes, providing essential assistance and enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. 

Patrick Payne 
General Director, Maintenance of Way, Union Pacific
Omaha, Nebraska

With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Pat is a senior leader in Union Pacific’s track maintenance team, overseeing 700+ employees. Pat’s team maintains and repairs 8,000+ track miles across challenging terrains in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Northern California, and the Pacific Northwest. The team handles extreme weather conditions to protect infrastructure, including 1,200 miles of passenger operations, with zero error margin. Pat leads expansion joint initiatives to accommodate temperature changes and has implemented snow fencing and winter response strategies, significantly enhancing winter preparedness. His team, equipped with advanced snow-fighting equipment, often assists local first responders. 

Championing in-track welding, Pat documents its benefits for rail integrity and cost reduction, using data from his territory for systemwide application. He is also implementing the CARE (Connecting and Recognizing Exposures) Program, a grassroots peer-to-peer safety initiative created by track inspector Talon Wright. This program anonymously collects and summarizes safety observations, guiding local safety improvements and accountability. Pat’s efforts have led to a 39% reduction in reportable personal injuries and a 40% improvement in reportable track-caused derailments. 

A husband and father to two young children, Pat dedicates his time outside the railroad to his family. Whether it’s school fundraisers, involvement in his family’s church or support of the community’s Global Outreach Charities organization, Pat works tirelessly to balance parenthood with the demands of the railroad. Professionally, Pat is a member of Union Pacific’s VETS resource group whose mission is to recruit, develop and retain military veterans on the railroad. 

Daniel Diaz Ramirez 
Field Service Engineer, Icomera
Rockfield, Maryland

With a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications engineering, Daniel is a skilled auto-electrician with advanced networking expertise and brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and problem-solving skills to the railroad industry, diagnosing and resolving issues with precision and efficiency. Working directly on road and rail vehicles, Daniel specializes in the high-performance installation, commissioning, and upgrading of cutting-edge connectivity solutions. In his role as a full-time onsite service engineer, he partners with leading industry players to deliver innovative technologies that power smarter, greener, and safer transportation systems. 

For the past five years, Daniel has earned the trust of Amtrak and other major clients through his passion for technology and commitment to excellence. As one of twelve dedicated field service engineers, he plays a vital role in providing North American rail operators with reliable connectivity solutions. Daniel’s diagnostic expertise, combined with his ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensures a seamless experience for clients. 

Community service has always been a meaningful part of Daniel’s life, especially when he can give back to children in need. His most recent experience was last Christmas when he traveled to Colombia to support his mother-in-law, who owns a hotel. Every year, she hosts an event for local children, offering musical performances, food, and presents. Daniel is grateful for having the opportunity to contribute by helping with the charity event preparations, ensuring the even runs smoothly. He also volunteers for similar charity events focused on children with special needs. While the setting and specific group of children may have been different, the essence of the event –– spreading love, kindness, and joy –– has stayed with him. These experiences have reminded him of the importance of community and the power of small acts of service to make a meaningful impact. 

Keneth Reaves 
General Director, Line Maintenance, Southwest Division, BNSF
Albuquerque

With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Morehouse College, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Keneth has made substantial contributions throughout his career to fortify the safety culture at BNSF. During his time in the engineering safety organization, Keneth was integral in challenging the status quo and expanding the training platforms to educate the workforce on risk tolerance and mitigation identification. Keneth challenged the norm of safety messaging to include more long-range data trends and reorganize how we learned from the most common injuries and incidents. He then integrated this data into supplemental operations testing scenario-based training to help the newer tenured employees be more impactful with their feedback when observing field behaviors. This strategy has been essential in the downward trend in engineering safety IFR over the past few years. 

Keneth was the leading manager during the Dixie wildfire in the summer of 2021 on the Gateway Sub. The incident occurred in Northern California in the Sierra-Nevada Mountain range and compromised about 45 miles of single main track on Sub. Keneth was integral in organizing the responding manpower resources and collaborating with BNSF’s Internal Hazmat team to set up a protection plan against multiple large structures and the right-of-way protection of the track structure. In addition, he directly connected with incident command during a six-week timeframe to managing daily protection and support to the local government agencies to assist with fighting the fire and containing the damage as much as possible. It was a complex endeavor and challenging incident to get through. However, it concluded with praise from regulatory agencies due to the visibility he provided for collaborative solutions. 

Keneth is a long-standing contributor to the United Way and a contributing member to BNSF RailPAC. Keneth also volunteers his time as a mentor to the youth in his community through the local ISD and church affiliation when he was in Ponder, Texas (up until spring 2024 when he was promoted and relocated). 

Logan Rose 
Track Supervisor, CSX
Nashville

With a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Logan Rose has been a key figure in driving the success of CSX within the Nashville region, leveraging his strong technical union background and exceptional foresight to deliver outstanding results. His leadership has been instrumental in planning and executing large scale, high-impact projects on the Chattanooga Subdivision, including the successful completion of a month-long Mega Block project. This initiative required careful coordination, precise execution, and a deep understanding of railway operations, all which Logan handled with expertise and efficiency. 

Logan’s ability to blend his technical knowledge with strategic planning has not only ensured the successful completion of critical projects but has also set benchmarks for operational excellence. He is consistently recognized by his peers and leaders for his reliability, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Frequently sought out for his guidance and project management abilities, Logan is a true team player who fosters collaboration and inspires confidence across teams. His contributions have not only elevated the efficiency and safety of the Nashville region, but have also reinforced industry standards, solidifying his reputation as a respected leader in railway infrastructure and operations. 

Logan is deeply committed to giving back to his community, particularly in supporting the fight against Multiple Schlerosis (MS). He actively participates in fundraising events and awareness campaigns that aim to improve the lives of those affected by MS. Logan has been involved in local charity walks, bike rides, and other community-driven initiatives designed to raise funds for research and provide resources to individuals and families living with the disease. Through his dedication to these causes, Logan has helped generate significant contributions toward advancing MS research and supporting community programs. His involvement not only reflects his compassion and sense of duty but also inspires others to join the effort. Logan’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact demonstrates the kind of leadership and generosity that defines a truly engaged and caring individual. 

Scott Sandoval 
Assistant Vice President, Regional Engineering, Genesee & Wyoming
Jacksonville, Fla.

With a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Florida, Scott’s leadership has been invaluable to the company. He began his career as a management trainee at Norfolk Southern before coming to G&W in 2014. He started in front-line management and worked up to his current position in the engineering department. He established himself as an expert in rail integrity while leading our track testing group and played a strong role in implementing laser, X-ray, and LIDAR use in tie inspections. He was a major catalyst in the transition G&W has made to the digitalization of our inspections, records, and various forms of data and the resulting capability for analysis. 

Scott has consistently taken steps to ascend to higher levels of leadership in the company and is eager to continually develop his career and build the experience required for the highest level of management. His positive influence and integrity earn the respect of the people he leads. We continually see employees who have worked under Scott become safety leaders and fill the lists of potential candidates when there are promotion opportunities. 

In his current position (since May 2024) Scott has taken on a division with challenging track conditions and shown an immediate impact on track safety stats. He accomplished this through changing the work culture and inspiring his employees to be the best. 

He is also a member of the Editorial Board of Railway Track & Structures, but those involved with the magazine recused themselves for part of the award process. 

Alexander Seredich 
Division Manager, ENSCO Rail
Vienna, Va.

With a BA in Business Administration, Management & Operations from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Alexander Seredich is a seasoned rail industry professional with more than 19 years of experience in rail technology and infrastructure inspection. Since joining Ensco in 2019, he has played a critical role in advancing track inspection solutions and delivering innovative technologies to the industry. As Division Manager at Ensco Rail since July 2023, Alex has led key initiatives in commercial track inspection, driving the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions. Alexander has helped spearhead Ensco’s Ultrasonic Rail Flaw System, which is able to predict broken rails, the leading cause of track-related derailments, before failure. 

Prior to Ensco, Alexander served as Director of Automated Track Inspection at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). In this role, he championed automated inspection practices and advanced data management strategies, helping WMATA implement a data-driven approach to maintaining infrastructure in a state of good repair. Alexander’s expertise spans track geometry systems, vision inspection systems, thermal inspection, and ultrasonic rail flaw systems. He is an active contributor to the industry, serving on AREMA Committee 2 (Track Measurement and Assessment Systems) and Committee 4 (Rail). His commitment to innovation and technical excellence continues to drive advancements in rail safety and inspection technology. 

Alexander is dedicated to giving back through community service and industry leadership. In 2024, he organized a group of 16 rail employees to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service, demonstrating his commitment to teamwork and helping to pack thousands of nutritious, non-perishable meals for members of the local community at risk of hunger. He also actively volunteers at his local church, supporting outreach programs that assist those in need in the church and those outside. Alexander also has a passion for hockey, and he is actively involved in the local hockey program where two of his sons are currently playing. His dedication to service reflects his belief in building stronger communities and families within and beyond the rail industry. 

Joe White 
Assistant Director of Engineering, Watco
Pittsburg, Kansas

As a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s in engineering, Joe is the youngest member of one of Watco’s three-person engineering teams, but has designed and built many projects during his eight years with the engineering department.  

One of the department’s largest and most recent undertakings is the expansion of a polyethylene manufacturing plant for a large chemical company. Joe is part of the Watco engineering team that worked on the proposal, detailed design, and executed the ongoing expansion projects that support the customer’s growth strategy. The Watco team provided not only the design but also materials procurement and construction management as the project got underway. Joe did a tremendous amount of work to supply the many background support documents and facility layout drawings that we submitted with our proposal for four expansion opportunities for the site. He took on a large role developing track layout for: 

• The rail support infrastructure that would attach to a new rail loadout facility, designed to increase daily throughput from a current average of 39 to 57 railcars per day. 

• A secondary storage yard needed for an additional 315 hopper cars and 50 raw-material tank car spots. 

• An additional strategic yard to allow for storage capability for 60 railcars. 

• A hopper car wash facility expansion that increases capacity from 53 to 75 cars per day. 

While studying engineering at the University of Mississippi, Joe became involved with the university’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). Over a two-year period, he made two trips to West Africa to help build a school in a remote village in the nation of Togo. Joe helped raise funds, assisted in the school’s design, and helped build the structure. Joe applied engineering expertise in quality control. For example, he helped ensure the cinder blocks that the team made to use in the building’s walls met the strength standards of the International Building Code. The Ole Miss Engineers Without Borders team completed the school in January 2014. 

After college, Joe got involved with a related EWB project where there was a children’s hospital in the neighboring village needed necessities. His family has been involved for many years with a mission outreach organization based in Springfield, Ill. With the assistance of that organization and a local Rotary club, Joe was able to help secure funding of $250,000 in medical equipment and supplies plus the $25,000 cost of shipping everything to Africa.