1

Catenary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary WSP is currently initiating a search for an Overhead Catenary System Engineer for our Boston, MA Office . Your Impact * Ensure that company technical policies and procedures are practiced ...

AECOM is seeking a talented OCS ( Overhead Catenary Systems) Engineer to join our World Class Rail team in Philadelphia! The ideal candidate will be part of the Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS ...

AECOM is seeking a talented OCS ( Overhead Catenary Systems) Engineer to join our World Class Rail team in Philadelphia! The ideal candidate will be part of the Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS ...

AECOM is seeking a talented OCS ( Overhead Catenary Systems) Engineer to join our World Class Rail team in Philadelphia! The ideal candidate will be part of the Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS ...

These positions will coordinate and facilitate deactivation requests for both routine and emergency maintenance of overhead catenary and electrical infrastructure. They'll will play a critical role ...

CAD Detailer

Morrisville, PA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Our work includes structural steel, miscellaneous metals, rail stations, signal bridges, catenary structures, canopies, and highway sign structures. The Structural Steel CAD Detailer will be ...

CAD Detailer

Morrisville, PA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Our work includes structural steel, miscellaneous metals, rail stations, signal bridges, catenary structures, canopies, and highway sign structures. The Structural Steel CAD Detailer will be ...

Civil Engineer I / II

Wasco, CA · On-site

$41 - $55/hr

Support oversight of catenary pole foundation and base installation activities. * Assist with oversight of cable trough installation and associated civil construction activities. * Review ...

Support oversight of catenary pole foundation and base installation activities. * Assist with oversight of cable trough installation and associated civil construction activities. * Review ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Catenary information

See salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do catenary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for catenary in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by catenary engineers in railway projects, and how can they be addressed?

Catenary engineers often face challenges such as ensuring the structural integrity and alignment of overhead lines, accommodating varying weather conditions, and minimizing service disruptions during installation or maintenance. Effective communication with civil engineers, project managers, and field technicians is crucial to coordinate schedules and resolve site-specific issues. Staying updated with the latest safety protocols and technological advancements can help mitigate these challenges and ensure project success.

What is a catenary in the context of railways and what do catenary workers do?

In the railway industry, a catenary refers to the overhead wire system that supplies electric power to trains. Catenary workers are responsible for installing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing these overhead electrical lines to ensure safe and efficient train operation. Their job includes working at heights, handling specialized equipment, and responding to emergencies when catenary wires are damaged or malfunction. This role is crucial for the reliability of electric rail systems and requires strong technical skills as well as strict adherence to safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catenary Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catenary Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, knowledge of railway electrification systems, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, railway design standards, and project management tools is typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in some regions. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in multidisciplinary teams and ensure safety compliance. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting overhead line systems that ensure reliable and safe rail operations.

What is the difference between Catenary vs Signal Technician?

AspectCatenarySignal Technician
Required CredentialsElectrical certifications, safety trainingElectrical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOverhead electrical systems, outdoor/railwayRailway signaling systems, outdoor/indoor
Industry UsageRailway electrification, infrastructureRailway safety, signaling systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Catenary and Signal Technicians work within the railway industry and require electrical certifications, Catenary technicians focus on overhead electrical lines used for train power supply, whereas Signal Technicians specialize in railway signaling systems that control train movements. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct roles in railway infrastructure maintenance and safety.

More about Catenary jobs
What states have the most Catenary jobs? States with the most job openings for Catenary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Catenary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Catenary jobs are:
Infographic showing various Catenary job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Engineer

Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Engineer

WSP

Boston, MA • On-site

$103K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Summary

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Overhead Catenary System Engineer for our Boston, MA Office.

Your Impact
  • Ensure that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects
  • Develop design approaches and concepts for projects including Power Distribution Design for Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail, and High Speed Rail, utilizing overhead contact or third rail systems
  • Prepare Overhead Contact System studies for AC and DC electrified railway systems
  • Assist in the preparation of Overhead Contact System technical calculations
  • Assist in the preparation of Overhead Contact System layouts, arrangements and details
  • Develop and review designs and technical specifications, meeting quality standards
  • Develop construction cost estimates
  • Develop design/engineering cost estimates
  • Assist project managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings
  • Review shop drawings, record changes, and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors, and client representatives as required
  • Perform field inspections as needed
  • Participate in WSP's quality process for all deliverables
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide "trusted advisor" service and future ready solutions for clients
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or closely related discipline
  • 7-10 years of relevant post education experience in engineering, prior transit and rail experience, and infrastructure design
  • Experience and technical ability to work on different types of Overhead Contact Systems 
  • Support and participate in the Systems implementation phase of projects, such as installation, Testing & Commissioning, Cutover, Record Drawings and final reports
  • Support procurement efforts by authoring technical requirements and specifications, performing vendor bid evaluations and supporting vendor selection
  • Commissioning of Traction Power Distribution Systems and Equipment, including experience with engineering design on at least three transit or commuter/intercity rail projects
  • Strong technical writing, analytical and communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with an emphasis on quality work products
  • Experience in a MicroStation and AutoCAD design environment for the development of Overhead Contact System design drawings
  • Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications
  • Immediate availability to work in the US
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Engineering or closely related discipline
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License or Ability to obtain
  • Ability to perform site investigations along electrified railroad


 WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $103,300-$175,000.

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

#LI-AC1

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


What WSP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom