Open To Work
JOSEPH A. (Joe) LILEIKIS
Raulroad Engineering Executive
Austin,TX
Summary
Trusted advisor, Railway executive, and infrastructure consultant with 30+ years delivering complex transportation and rail programs across public and private sectors. Drives operational performance and capital efficiency, achieving 67% track outage required time reductions, 20–25% higher network throughput, $2M in annual cost savings, 25% revenue growth, and multiple $10M+ in long-term contracts. Expert in asset management, regulatory compliance, project delivery, and engineering leadership to ensure reliable, efficient, and high-performing rail infrastructure—Excel at Engineering and Technical talent identification, training, nurturing, mentoring, and employee retention.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CEO / Independent Senior Railway Consultant
Lileikis Railroad Consulting
Austin, TX
02.2016 - Current
- Directed rail infrastructure consulting engagements for public and private clients, aligning capital planning, asset lifecycle management, and regulatory compliance to improve system performance, strengthen execution frameworks, and deliver measurable gains in operational efficiency.
- Reduced track outage durations by 67% by designing and implementing optimized construction sequencing and project delivery strategies, accelerating timelines, lowering project costs, and improving network availability across multi-state passenger rail corridors.
- Managed multi-state and international railway programs, upholding engineering standards and regulatory compliance and operational requirements, while coordinating stakeholders and maintaining consistent execution across complex, high-risk environments.
- Implemented systems integration and data-driven monitoring frameworks, improving predictive maintenance capabilities, strengthening infrastructure reliability, and enhancing asset performance across rail, port, and industrial transportation systems.
- Increased freight and passenger throughput by 20–25% by executing process improvements, eliminating system bottlenecks, and optimizing operational workflows, resulting in elevated service delivery, network performance, and infrastructure utilization.
Associate Vice President
HNTB Corporation
Austin, TX
01.2004 - 02.2016
- Led transportation infrastructure planning and capacity improvement programs and project portfolios, driving 25% revenue growth through structured market expansion, boosting client acquisition strategies, and consistent delivery of high-value engineering and consulting services across multiple regions.
- Eliminated annual operating costs by $2M by implementing financial controls, optimizing resource allocation, and improving operational processes, strengthening profitability while maintaining service quality and delivery performance across multimillion-dollar programs.
- Secured multiple long-term contracts over $10M by building and maintaining strong client relationships, improving service delivery standards, and aligning project outcomes with client expectations and organizational objectives throughout public and private domains sector portfolios.
- Increased client engagement by 40% by implementing technology-enabled service improvements, enhancing communication processes, and improving delivery consistency across transportation and infrastructure programs.
Senior Engineer, Structures & Facilities
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Philadelphia, PA
12.1993 - 01.2004
- Delivered structural engineering designs supporting 110 mph Wolverine rail corridor upgrades, improving system capacity, enhancing operational performance, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations, and infrastructure reliability requirements.
- Executed Northeast Corridor bridge rehabilitation and facility upgrade projects, strengthening infrastructure integrity and reliability, improving asset durability, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and industry engineering standards across large-scale rail networks.
- Applied risk management, quality control, and lifecycle maintenance practices, improving infrastructure reliability, reducing failure risks, and extending asset lifespan across rail networks and supporting facilities.
Engineering / Operation Leadership roles
Union Pacific Railroad
Multiple Cities, US
04.1981 - 12.1993
- Improved internal service performance by 25% by streamlining communication processes, optimizing workflows, and enhancing coordination across operational teams, resulting in refined service delivery, customer satisfaction, and operational consistency.
- Managed project execution, resource allocation, and scheduling, ensuring alignment with budget, timelines, and regulatory requirements, while maintaining operational efficiency and delivery consistency across freight rail operations.
- Supervised cross-functional teams of up to 105 personnel, improving workforce productivity and safety, strengthening operational performance, and maintaining high standards in regulated, safety-critical rail environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
University of Nebraska
Associate of Science - Design Engineering Technology
University of Nebraska
Railroad Engineering Certificate -
University of Illinois
Skills
- Rail Infrastructure Planning
- Rail Infrastructure Engineering Solutions
- Capital Program Management
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Asset Lifecycle Management
- Financial Acumen Multimillion-Dollar P&L Management
- Project Delivery & Execution
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Analytics
- Construction Sequencing Optimization
- Transportation Program Strategy
Affiliations
- American Railway Engineering & Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA)
- Past President, American Railway Bridge and Building Association (ARBBA)
- Past Director, AREMA; Past Chairman, Committee 42 Bridge Maintenance & Committee 7 Timber Structures
- Co-founder & Instructor, ARBBA/AREMA Bridge Inspection Seminars
- Past Member, Association of American Railroads (AAR) standing committee on bridge research
Certification
- Engineer Sergeant, United States Army – MOS 18C30
- FRA Safety and Compliance Programs
- Currently pursuing PMP Certification
Professional Highlights
- Established and grew HNTB Rail Practice from a team of 1 to 12, generating ~$5M in annual sales.
- Identified, pursued, and negotiated $60M+ in contracts with TxDOT, government agencies, and private sector clients.
- Project Executive delivering PE, ENV, PS&E, & C&EI for the first U.S. international rail crossing in over 100 years.
- Led development and execution of FRA-mandated State Rail Plans.
- Oversaw $17M annual Amtrak Northeast Corridor capital improvement program.
- Revised bridge construction protocols, reducing track outage times by 67% and cost-per-project by 50%.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
HybridSalary Range
$150000/yr - $500000/yrTimeline
CEO / Independent Senior Railway Consultant
Lileikis Railroad Consulting
02.2016 - Current
Associate Vice President
HNTB Corporation
01.2004 - 02.2016
Senior Engineer, Structures & Facilities
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
12.1993 - 01.2004
Engineering / Operation Leadership roles
Union Pacific Railroad
04.1981 - 12.1993
Bachelor of Science - Engineering
University of Nebraska
Associate of Science - Design Engineering Technology
University of Nebraska
Railroad Engineering Certificate -
University of Illinois