1

Commuter Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Dallas, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Tampa, FL

$98K - $135K/yr

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

You will play a key role in delivering complex rail projects-including LRT, heavy rail, commuter rail, and yard/maintenance facilities-while supporting the growth of our national Rail + Transit ...

Lead the expansion of CM services in the rail sector, with a focus on Class I railroads, commuter rail, and public transit agencies. * Drive business development initiatives by leveraging an ...

Passenger Concierge

Boston, MA

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Since 2014, Keolis Commuter Services has been entrusted with operating and maintaining the Commuter Rail network on behalf of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). During this time ...

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred * Knowledge of Operations of DMUs and EMUs required * Knowledge of FRA and FTA regulations required

next page

Showing results 1-20

Commuter Rail information

See salary details

$32K

$50K

$71K

How much do commuter rail jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for commuter rail in the United States is $50,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commuter Rail Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commuter Rail Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of safety regulations, often supported by completion of a formal training program or certification. Proficiency with train control systems, signaling technology, and radio communication equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling passengers and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable train operations, which are vital for passenger safety and consistent service.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Commuter Rail Operator and other departments during daily operations?

Commuter Rail Operators regularly coordinate with dispatchers, maintenance crews, customer service teams, and safety personnel to ensure timely and safe train operations. Daily responsibilities often include receiving updated schedules from dispatch, communicating any technical issues to maintenance staff, and relaying passenger concerns to customer service. This teamwork is essential for handling delays, emergencies, and passenger needs efficiently, fostering a responsive and supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Commuter Rail vs Train Operator?

AspectCommuter RailTrain Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certificationsHigh school diploma, train operation license
Work EnvironmentPassenger trains, stations, urban/suburban routesOperating trains, safety protocols, on tracks
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, commuter rail companiesRailroads, transit agencies, freight and passenger services

Commuter Rail and Train Operator roles often overlap, but commuter rail refers to the service provided, while train operators are the personnel who operate the trains. Both require safety training and certifications, and they work within the transit industry to ensure passenger transportation. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the rail industry.

What are commuter rail jobs?

Commuter rail jobs refer to positions involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of trains that transport passengers between suburban areas and city centers. These roles can include train operators, conductors, engineers, maintenance technicians, station agents, and administrative staff. Employees in commuter rail jobs ensure the safe, timely, and efficient movement of passengers, as well as the upkeep of trains and rail infrastructure. They may work for public transit agencies or private companies and often have schedules that accommodate peak travel times. Working in commuter rail often requires specialized training and strong customer service skills.
More about Commuter Rail jobs
What cities are hiring for Commuter Rail jobs? Cities with the most Commuter Rail job openings:
What states have the most Commuter Rail jobs? States with the most job openings for Commuter Rail jobs include:
Infographic showing various Commuter Rail job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 20% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,010 per year, or $24 per hour.

Technical Manager - Rail Track

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 356 rated engineering


Job description


Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, authority and state Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
We provide value by first understanding our clients' needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.
What We're Looking For
Michael Baker is seeking a talented Technical Manager, Rail Track, in a full-time remote or hybrid work environment, to help make a difference in our Rail and Transit Practice.
The successful candidate will focus on rail transportation projects. This position will require close coordination with the technical staff and various technical professionals dispersed within Michael Baker International's remote staff and various offices. The successful candidate will prepare, direct and manage layouts of railroad track alignments for both passenger/commuter and freight rail for rail and transit and multi-discipline project teams, mentor staff engineers, help to develop Michael Baker's Rail and Transit practice, participate in marketing existing clients and growing new clients, and will have a contributing role in the rail and transit leadership organization.
What You Will Do
  • Actively participating in technology advancement, identifying technology for strategic implementation
  • Disseminating industry information internally to advance staff knowledge
  • Encouraging the promotion of the company through trade publications, awards, and conference presentations
  • Assisting in the development of Design Standards and Best Practices with rail track leaders
  • Performing Design Reviews and QA/QC reviews
  • Engaging with relevant industry committees
  • Leading evaluation and implementation of innovative technical solutions for internal project teams and clients.
  • Designing, directing and/or managing rail-related components of passenger rail, freight rail and commuter rail projects.
  • Developing and overseeing the design of track alignments, including special track work such as turnouts, crossovers and diamond crossings.
  • Preparing or reviewing geometric details of track alignments including horizontal and vertical curve data.
  • Preparing or directing detailed engineering plans using the various Bentley software products (Microstation and OpenRail)
  • Playing an integral part in the development and review of plans, specifications and cost estimates for Rail Design projects.
  • Assisting with large multi-disciplinary design teams and leading younger staff on a variety of project tasks
  • Engineering investigations including feasibility and type studies with cost and risk analysis
  • Performing railroad track inspections and other site inspections during construction and maintenance projects to determine if they are within tolerance levels established by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), AREMA, and other applicable regulations.
  • Coordinating with multiple disciplines for conformance to design criteria, standards and code requirements.
  • Mentoring and advising staff regarding various FRA, AREMA, Class I Railroad and Passenger/Commuter Railroad requirements and preferences.
  • Developing webinars to share internally and externally to drive technical excellence.

The preferred candidate will have demonstrated experience leading a team for complex project delivery and have demonstrated adaptation to and integration of new technologies into the workplace.
We are a community built on our employees' relationships and the Technical Manager should actively engage in building and fostering personal relationships with the staff. As part of this, they will remain in communications with leadership and be the technical link between the local offices and the larger rail practice effectively becoming a trusted advisor for the track group. Although not required to answer every technical question, they will strive to be able to point staff in the right direction for resolution, in other words, the Technical Manager will have intimate awareness of track design resources and maintain an expansive network throughout the company.
What You Need To Succeed
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is required. Master's degree is a plus.
  • PE license is required. NCEES record is a plus.
  • 15+ years of demonstrated experience on various types of rail projects, to include design and plan development of rail projects is required.
  • Previously demonstrated project experience with Class I Railroad design and Commuter/Transit Agencies preferred.
  • Candidate must have thorough knowledge of and practical experience applying AREMA.
  • Must possess excellent client management skills and be able to enhance and develop solid client relationships.
  • Proven experience in working on multiple projects concurrently, managing project deadlines and on-time submittals.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal skills and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to assist in developing strategic approaches and concepts.
  • Availability to occasionally travel to other local offices, job site locations, and business development locations.

What Would Make Me Stand Out as a Candidate
  • Member of an AREMA Committee in good standing
  • Possess high initiative and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative approach to project development with project team members, clients, contractors and review agencies.
  • Strong relationships with Class I Railroad(s) and Commuter/Transit Agencies and understanding of coordination requirements and preferences.
  • Master's degree in Railroad Engineering
  • Experience working for Class I railroad in design and construction.

Compensation
The approximate compensation range for this position is $125,000 - $190,000 annual. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

What Michael Baker International employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom