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Contract Railway Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$159K - $231K/yr

... rail under California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) oversight and following Caltrans ... Manage complex contract changes by collaborating with project coordinators and obtaining necessary ...

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Contract Railway information

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$17

$26

$49

How much do contract railway jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract railway in the United States is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract railway engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Railway Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or mechanical engineering, railway system design, and project management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional accreditation. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like AutoCAD, rail-specific modeling software, and compliance with safety regulations and certifications such as IRSE or PTS is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial to excel in collaborative, safety-critical environments. These competencies ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with stringent industry standards.

What is the difference between Contract Railway vs Contract Railroad?

AspectContract RailwayContract Railroad
CertificationsTypically requires railway operation certifications, safety training, and possibly freight handling licensesSimilar certifications, including safety and operational licenses
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, and freight terminals, often outdoors and physically demandingSame as Contract Railway, involving outdoor rail environments and logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by railway companies, freight carriers, and logistics firmsCommonly used interchangeably with Contract Railway in industry and job searches

Contract Railway and Contract Railroad roles are very similar, often involving the same work environments, certifications, and industry usage. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, with both referring to contractual positions in railway operations, freight handling, and logistics. The main difference is often regional or employer preference, but overall, they describe comparable job functions in the rail industry.

What is a contract railway?

A Contract Railway worker is a professional who is hired on a contractual basis to perform various tasks related to the construction, maintenance, or operation of railway systems. These workers may include engineers, maintenance staff, track inspectors, or construction crews who are not permanent employees but are engaged for specific projects or time periods. Their responsibilities can range from laying new tracks and repairing existing infrastructure to ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Working under contracts allows railway companies to scale their workforce based on project needs and timelines.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in contract railway roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract railway roles often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and managing project schedules within tight deadlines. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to address these challenges, as is a proactive approach to problem-solving. Familiarity with industry regulations and a commitment to ongoing training can also help ensure successful project delivery and foster positive working relationships with both internal teams and external partners.
More about Contract Railway jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Railway jobs? Cities with the most Contract Railway job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Railway jobs? The most popular types of Railway jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Railway jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Railway jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Railway jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Railway jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Railway job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,445 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Contracts Manager

Bechtel

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$159K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Bechtel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

279th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID:  296469

  • Relocation Authorized:  None
  • Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
  • Work Location: Reston, VA
  • Salary Range: $159,700 - $231,000 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)
Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world. Bechtel operates through four global business units that specialize in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and energy. Today, our colleague's team with customers, partners, and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. Bechtel is seeking a Contracts Manager to join the Riverside, California team. This team oversees the planning, environmental clearance, design, and construction of projects on the state highway system, and rail under California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) oversight and following Caltrans’ standards and procedures, and on commuter and freight rail lines, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF), and/or Union Pacific Railroad (UP) oversight and following their standards.

Job Summary:

The Contracts Manager will directly report to the Riverside Project Manager and oversee all contract management activities for the Riverside Project. This role requires expert oversight in package delivery, ensuring client compliance with regulatory and stakeholder requirements, procurement, risk management, and construction throughout all project phases. #LI-JL1

Major Responsibilities:
  • Implement a division of responsibilities matrix for contract management tasks and standard work processes. 
  • Coordinate with the client’s procurement team to review activities impacting contractual rights, obligations, performance, and administration. 
  • Manage complex contract changes by collaborating with project coordinators and obtaining necessary approvals. 
  • Communicate with the client to ensure awareness of contract provisions, vendor performance, compliance with terms and conditions, delivery schedules, cost-saving opportunities, and strategies for avoiding claims. 
  • Review contractor progress reports to assess potential commercial impacts and advise the project management team accordingly. 
  • Oversee the review and approval of contractor progress payments and invoices; manage "stop payment" requests and demands for payment from subconsultants.  Facilitate contract close-out by ensuring all commercial, documentary, and technical requirements are met before substantial completion. 
  • Provide support and guidance on effective contract management to the project team. 
  • Assist the Project Manager with ad-hoc tasks and report preparations.   
Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Requires bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) and 13-15 years of relevant experience or 17-19 years of relevant work experience.  
Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Advanced knowledge of contract regulations, policies, and practices. 
  • Specialized training or experience in pricing, contract law, negotiations, and accounting. 
  • Experience in managing various contract types, fee arrangements, and terms. 
  • Ability to develop and propose solutions to contractual issues. 
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Familiarity with engineering and construction industry contracting practices, policies, procedures, and work practices. 
  • Understanding of confidentiality protocols for company and client information. 
  • Confidence in interacting with senior managers, client executives, and government agencies. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.   
Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com


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