1

Amtrak Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As an experienced Field Engineer, you will leverage your technical knowledge to oversee critical ... Amtrak trains. Bring your diverse ideas to build stronger, more resilient communities. Apply now ...

Field Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As an experienced Field Engineer, you will leverage your technical knowledge to oversee critical ... Amtrak trains. Bring your diverse ideas to build stronger, more resilient communities. Apply now ...

Experience supporting transit agencies such as WMATA, MDOT MTA, VRE, Amtrak, or similar public ... An engineer who is committed to delivering high-quality technical work while building long-term ...

Field Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

FRA, Amtrak, CSX, and VRE standards * Environmental permit conditions * Conduct daily inspections ... Interface with engineers to evaluate Field Design Changes, Non Conformance Reports and Requests for ...

FRA, Amtrak, CSX, and VRE standards * Environmental permit conditions * Conduct daily inspections ... Interface with engineers to evaluate Field Design Changes, Non Conformance Reports and Requests for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Amtrak Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$88.4K

$140.8K

How much do amtrak engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for amtrak engineer in Virginia is $88,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Amtrak Engineer job?

An Amtrak Engineer operates passenger trains, ensuring safe and timely transportation between destinations. They are responsible for controlling train speed, handling equipment, following railroad regulations, and responding to any track or mechanical issues. Engineers work closely with conductors and dispatchers to maintain schedules and ensure passenger safety. The position requires extensive training, certification, and experience with locomotive operations.

What can I expect from the typical work environment and daily responsibilities as an Amtrak Engineer?

As an Amtrak Engineer, you'll work in a dynamic environment that involves operating passenger trains safely and efficiently along designated routes, often across various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You’ll be responsible for monitoring train systems, adhering to strict timelines, and responding promptly to any operational or technical issues. Collaboration with conductors, onboard crew, and dispatch personnel is essential for ensuring coordinated and safe train movement. The role requires strong adherence to safety standards and regulations, as well as regular training to stay updated on the latest procedures and technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Amtrak Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Amtrak Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of locomotive operations, federal railroad regulations, and strong mechanical aptitude, usually supported by completion of an accredited engineer training program and necessary certifications such as a federal locomotive engineer license. Familiarity with signaling systems, train control technologies, and safety protocols is crucial for this role. Outstanding attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help ensure safe and efficient train operations. These qualities are important because they promote passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth coordination with crew and dispatch teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Amtrak Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Amtrak Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Amtrak Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Amtrak Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Amtrak Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Internship, 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,418 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90384258 - Charlottesville

Amtrak

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$34.42 - $35.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Amtrak rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 97 rated public transport


Job description

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

Consistently and safely operate locomotives and trains in compliance with federal regulations and corporate policies. Operates equipment during varying work hours within a 24/7 transportation environment maintaining alertness, situational awareness and vigilance. Thinks and functions independently and utilizes clear and effective verbal communication skills in interaction with fellow crew members and other personnel responsible for safe and efficient train movement.

Minimum Qualifications
  • H.S. Diploma or GED Required.
  • Some work experience demonstrates the ability to maintain alertness, awareness and vigilance, as well as clear, effective verbal communication skills in the performance of work. Satisfactory attendance and safe work record. Prior railroad operating experience and work history that demonstrates the ability to adapt to variable and often changing work hours preferred.
  • Although a driver’s license is not required, applicants with a driver’s license must provide a certified copy of motor vehicle driving record from the chief of the state driver’s licensing agency in which the applicant was last issued a license and any license(s) issued or reissued from other state(s) within the preceding 60 months. Motor vehicle records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 36 months. 2. Must have a motor vehicle driving record void of any convictions or state action canceling, revoking, suspending or denying a driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance within the last 36 months or a record of refusal to undergo such testing as required by state law within the last 36 months. 3. Must sign a release of records authorizing all previous railroad employees to provide Amtrak with background information, if applicable. In accordance with FRA regulations, previous railroad service records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 60 months.
  • If selected, incumbent will be required to successfully complete Engineer Training as follows: 8-10 weeks classroom and field work while headquartered at Amtrak’s Training Center in Wilmington, DE; followed by extensive qualifying and on-the-job training associated with the Crew Base for which hired; paid at the student training rate until incumbent achieves certification as a Class 1 Train Service Engineer.
  • Individuals currently certified as Class 1 Train Service Engineers are paid at the rate determined by the agreement schedule. 
  • Incumbents are subject to periodic medical examinations including random drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Applicants for this position will be expected to meet the criteria for vision, color vision, and hearing set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 49 CFR 240.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Some college or vocational training.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The hourly range is $34.42 – $35.62 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment). 

Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Rail Pass PrivilegesWellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramMedical Plan Opt-out CreditLife InsuranceCommuter and Flexible Spending AccountsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateNo-cost Financial Advisor SessionFertility and Family Building Benefits

Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166666
Posting Location(s):Virginia

Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 100%
You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.


What Amtrak employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amtrak logo

About Amtrak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Industry

Travel arrangement services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1971