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Commuter Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107.60K - $147.80K/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

Pensacola, FL

$98.80K - $135.70K/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 ...

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 Maintenance of Equipment (DMUs and EMUs) and Maintenance of Way (Track, Signaling and ...

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

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Commuter Rail information

See salary details

$32K

$50K

$71K

How much do commuter rail jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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.

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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Commuter Rail jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Commuter Rail jobs are:
Infographic showing various Commuter Rail job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,010 per year, or $24 per hour.

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Dar Group

Chicago, IL

$107.60K - $147.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

TYLin is a globally recognized, full-service infrastructure consulting firm committed to providing innovative, cost-effective, constructible designs for the global infrastructure market. With over 3,000 employees throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the firm provides support on projects of varying size and complexity. Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people with better mobility. We steward precious resources by finding more sustainable solutions.

Job SummaryTYLin is seeking a motivated and skilled Senior Track and Civil Engineer to join our Rail & Transit team. This role is ideal for professionals with 8-12 years of experience who are ready to take the next step in their career. You will support and lead components of complex transportation projects across all phases-from planning and design to procurement and construction-while working closely with senior project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
The Track and Civil Engineer will lead the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit track infrastructure across the U.S. This role is ideal for an experienced rail engineering professional with deep technical expertise in track design, alignment geometry, corridor integration, and multidisciplinary coordination.
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 practice. This role can be based in any of our U.S. locations.Responsibilities & Qualifications

Responsibilities & Qualifications

What You'll Do

  • Serve as the discipline lead for track design on major rail and transit projects across the U.S.

  • Lead the development of horizontal and vertical alignments, turnouts, crossovers, special trackwork, and yard/maintenance facility layouts.

  • Oversee preparation and review of engineering plans, specifications, design criteria, and technical reports.

  • Conduct and review corridor studies, constructability analyses, phasing/staging plans, and design alternatives.

  • Coordinate closely with signaling, traction power, overhead catenary systems (OCS), communications, civil, structural, and geotechnical teams to ensure integrated solutions.

  • Provide senior-level technical review, quality assurance, and risk management guidance.

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams across project phases, including feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, final design, and construction support.

  • Interface with clients, transit agencies, freight railroads, and regulatory authorities (e.g., FRA, state DOTs) to resolve technical issues and support decision-making.

  • Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence and growth within the team.

  • Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client engagement, and strategic pursuits.

  • Contribute to advancing TYLin's best practices for track design, rail corridor integration, and constructibility.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects.

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at least one U.S. state (or ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity).

  • PMP certification is a plus.

  • Proven experience leading complex rail infrastructure projects.

  • Advanced knowledge of track geometry, alignment design, and corridor integration.

  • Proficiency with industry design tools such as Bentley OpenRail, OpenRoads, InRoads, MicroStation, Civil 3D, or similar platforms.

  • Strong understanding of applicable U.S. standards and guidelines, including AREMA, FRA regulations, and relevant state and local agency requirements.

  • Experience coordinating with rail systems disciplines (signaling, OCS, traction power, communications).

  • Solid understanding of constructability, staging, maintenance-of-way requirements, and operational constraints.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical concepts to clients, stakeholders, and leadership.

  • Experience working with U.S. transit agencies (e.g., MTA, LA Metro, CTA, MBTA) or Class I/short line freight railroads is highly desirable.


Additional Information

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TYLin offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits may include extensive medical, disability and life insurance coverage, continuing education benefits, paid time off, employee assistance program and a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

We encourage all candidates to explore our total rewards offering.

Collaboration, mission-driven focus, discipline, and leadership skills developed through military service benefit us all. Whether you are a Veteran, Guardsman or Reservist, a Military Spouse or you are planning to transition to civilian life in the near future, we welcome and value your application.

TYLin is an equal opportunity employer, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type as protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.The company and its employees are required to comply with all local health authority, legal or lawful client requirements.