Max Schwartz

Maxwell “Max” Schwartz is a seasoned, multidisciplinary engineer with 19 years of experience spanning mechanical, civil, telecommunications, reliability, and rail engineering. He currently serves as the USA Regional Director for Rail at Hatch, where he leads the Freight Rail Group’s operations across the United States and Mexico. Max holds a BS in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of North Florida, as well as a BS in computer science from Florida State University, reflecting a strong academic foundation that supports his broad technical expertise.

Throughout his career, Max has earned a reputation for delivering complex rail, infrastructure, and transportation projects while managing diverse technical teams in high pressure environments. His portfolio includes leadership roles in major intermodal yard developments, greenfield industrial expansions, operational studies for major ports, and strategic advisory work for rail carriers across North America and Mexico. He has served as rail lead, project manager, subject matter expert, and engineer of record on projects involving rail yard modernization, freight operations analysis, capacity studies, and multinational infrastructure planning. Max is also an active member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, contributing to the development of industry standards.

Max’s professional credentials extend across numerous US states, where he is licensed as a professional engineer, and he holds specialized certifications including Certified Reliability Engineer and Integrated Management Systems Lead Auditor. His career history spans influential roles at Hatch, CSX Transportation, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, with responsibilities ranging from network operations management to regulatory enforcement and advanced testing program oversight. A committed lifelong learner, Max has completed extensive technical training in areas such as derailment investigation, track inspection, and rail safety. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with strategic leadership has made him a respected figure in the rail engineering sector.

What does positive change mean to you?

To me, positive change means having the courage to question long-standing assumptions, envision better possibilities, and take meaningful action that reflects authenticity and purpose, in line with the spirit of Hatch’s Manifesto. It is about approaching challenges with creativity, staying curious, and empowering others to share their ideas and shape solutions. At its core, positive change is not merely improvement, but a deliberate commitment to make things better for people, strengthen trust, and move forward with integrity.

How are you changing the world?

I am changing the world by bringing people, ideas, and systems together to create integrated solutions that deliver meaningful synergy. I focus on building strong connections across teams, disciplines, and stakeholders so that we solve problems in a way no single group could accomplish alone. By aligning talent, technology, and purpose, I help create solutions that are more resilient, more efficient, and more impactful for the clients we serve. My efforts contribute to a future where collaboration drives better outcomes, where innovation is shared, and where collective strengths move us forward in ways that create lasting value.

What do you think are the toughest challenges facing your clients?

I think the toughest challenges my clients face come from trying to deliver complex projects on schedules that are getting tighter and tighter. When timelines shrink, every decision carries more weight, and the ripple effects across different disciplines become harder to manage. A choice made in design can impact construction, operations, safety, and long‑term performance, so the collateral risk across the project increases quickly. On top of that, clients are constantly balancing what is practical to build now with what will be maintainable and reliable for decades to come.

These pressures highlight the need for more integrated delivery solutions, where teams collaborate from the start, information flows freely, and decisions are made with a full understanding of their downstream impacts. At the same time, we have to find the right integrated balance in how we use global resources so we can deliver high-quality work while maintaining competitive fees. Bringing all of these elements together in a unified approach is what ultimately helps clients reduce risk, improve outcomes, and meet demanding schedule and budget expectations.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my teams. Watching them tackle complex challenges, support one another, and grow into a truly integrated group is incredibly rewarding. They consistently show resilience, creativity, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones to find better solutions. I am proud of the way they collaborate across disciplines, push for clarity, and stay focused on doing what is right for our clients and for each other. Seeing individuals develop confidence, take on bigger responsibilities, and deliver work that has real impact is what makes me feel the most accomplished. Their success is the achievement I value most.

What do you like most about working at Hatch? How do you think the Hatch culture is different from other companies?

What I like most about working at Hatch is the culture of curiosity, collaboration, and genuine problem-solving. People here are naturally inclined to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and look beyond the obvious to find solutions that create real value for our clients and the communities we serve. I appreciate that Hatch encourages us to think boldly, connect across disciplines, and bring together the right people to address complex challenges rather than operating in isolated silos. That approach makes the work more meaningful and creates a place where ideas can come from anyone.