Rising Stars 2026: Kylie Steel

Kylie Steel, 37 
Group leader, rail engineering and design
Olsson

Nominator’s quote: “Kylie combines deep technical expertise with practical design intuition, directly strengthening the reliability and safety of rail networks across the country. [She] has earned industry-wide recognition for her talent in solving unconventional structural challenges. ... Kylie is a pay-it-forward leader whose advocacy and mentorship are expanding opportunities for current and future engineers.” — Ryan Kosola, Olsson

Education: Bachelor of Science, civil engineering, minor in business administration, Idaho State University. Master of Science, civil engineering with a structural emphasis, Idaho State University.

Job responsibilities: Oversees a team of engineers and designers, manages project workloads and ensures the delivery of high-quality plans through detailed quality reviews. Project management, client communication and supporting the professional development of the team. Works closely with internal teams and clients to guide projects from initial concept through design and delivery.

Briefly describe your career path.
I began my career with Olsson as an assistant engineer on the rail structures team shortly after completing my graduate degree. From there, I progressed through roles as an associate engineer, project engineer and technical leader before stepping into my current role as group leader. While I did not have prior experience in rail coming out of school, I grew into the industry through hands-on project work, mentorship and a willingness to continuously learn. Over time, I developed both technical expertise and leadership skills that have shaped my career path.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first full-time role after college was as an assistant engineer at Olsson. In that position, I quickly learned the importance of communication and asking questions, especially in a field where collaboration is critical. I also learned that your education is just the starting point — real growth happens on the job through experience, problem-solving and continual learning.

One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of seeing projects in the field. Being able to connect design plans to real-world construction helped me better understand constructability and develop stronger engineering judgement. That experience reinforced that stepping outside your comfort zone and taking ownership of your development leads to the most meaningful growth.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive?
I was introduced to the rail industry somewhat unexpectedly while finishing my master’s degree. My husband and I were relocating to Omaha and two of the opportunities I was considering were in rail structures. Although I didn’t initially set out to pursue a career in rail, the opportunity aligned with both my structural background and long-term career goals, so I took a chance on it.

Once I got started, I realized it was a great fit. The rail industry offers complex, meaningful projects, and requires strong collaboration between disciplines, which I enjoy. I was also drawn to the long-term impact of the work and the opportunity to continuously learn and grow in a specialized field. Over time, it became clear that rail was a place where I could build both technical expertise and a fulfilling career.

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career?
That success is built on strong communication and team collaboration. No one succeeds in this industry alone, and the best outcomes come from leveraging the strengths of the people around you.

I’ve also learned the importance of being proactive — whether that’s communicating early with clients, raising potential issues before they grow, or asking questions to fully understand a problem. At the same time, it’s equally important to trust your team and not try to do everything yourself. The best solutions come from collaboration, brainstorming, and shared ownership.

I’ve also gained a deep appreciation for supporting one another as people, not just coworkers. My team has stepped up to support me during major life events, and I’ve made it a priority to do the same for others. That culture of trust and teamwork is what allows individuals — and teams — to truly thrive.

What are your passions outside of work?
Spending time with my family and loved ones — including parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and our dogs. Family time is something I truly value and try to prioritize whenever I can. A lot of my time revolves around my three kids and their activities. Through their sports and events, I’ve built strong, lasting friendships with other families.

I played collegiate golf at Idaho State and I’ve recently gotten back into the game. I now play regularly with my family and in a weekly ladies’ league, which has been a great way to reconnect with the sport and build friendships outside of work.

I also serve on the board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Nebraska and chair a fundraising event called Links to a Cure. While I didn’t start with a personal connection to the cause, it’s become something I care deeply about over the past 11 years.

And when I need some quiet downtime, I enjoy unplugging with a good jigsaw puzzle.

How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry?
By continuing to invest in developing the next generation of engineers. Much of what we isn’t taught in school, so mentorship and hands-on learning are critical.

I focus on helping younger engineers build both technical skills and confidence — teaching them how to think through problems, communicate effectively, and understand the bigger picture of our work.

I also believe it’s important to actively recruit and introduce people to the rail industry, helping them see the opportunities and long-term career potential it offers. By building strong teams and sharing knowledge, I can help ensure we continue to deliver high-quality work while strengthening the future of the industry.

What's the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today?
Attracting and developing the next generation of talent. As the industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need for skilled engineers who not only understand technical design but can navigate the unique standards, coordination and long-term planning that rail projects require.

Because rail is such a specialized field, there can be a steeper learning curve compared to other areas of engineering. That makes it especially important to invest in training, mentorship and early exposure to the industry.

At the same time, the industry is managing increasing demands for efficiency, safety and modernization. Meeting those expectations requires strong collaboration, adaptability and a workforce that is prepared to take on increasingly complex challenges. Bridging that talent gap while continuing to innovate will be critical to the industry’s continued success.