Harris worked as an apprentice under Thomas Storey, Civil and Mining Engineer in St Helens, Auckland. This led to the role of Engineer to the Stockton & Darlington Railway Company, working on the construction of bridges, tracks and MIddlesbrough Dock. His skills led him to work for other railway companies including: Kendal & Windermere Railway, Middlesbrough & Guisbrough Railway and Wakefield, Pontefract & Goole Railway.