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Contract Railway Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ruby on Rails - Contract Position

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Contract Exp: 6+ years Must have skills: Ruby on Rails Worked extensively with Ruby, Ruby on Rails. Experience with HTML5, Javascript. Languages and Web Technologies: Java, J2EE, JDBC, Java Script ...

Railroad Service Technician

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Railroad employees are subjected to all weather conditions, including extreme heat conditions ... Cleveland-Cliffs has a contract with the United Steelworkers that requires each employee hired into ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Chief Inspector - Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

M&J Engineering

Hamden, CT โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview
M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with over 300 employees. Since its inception in 2004, M&J has grown into diversified provider of engineering, construction management, construction inspection, technology, and environmental services to a broad range of clients, including federal, state and city/local agencies, private owners, architects, engineers and contractors.
M&J is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS, mechanical, electrical, wastewater, water supply, tunnel airport, port, marine/coastal, environmental engineering, and design-build services for both new infrastructure projects and renovations.
M&J bases its employment and personnel decisions on the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, with the intent to further the Company's Affirmative Action commitment. M&J does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, employment status, veteran or military status, or any other category protected by law. Our Company vigorously pursues opportunities to recruit and develop job candidates who have the desire and potential for becoming qualified employees through our Affirmative Action Plan.
M&J is seeking a Chief Inspector - Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure, a field-based position involve supervising construction contractor activities within an active railroad environment to ensure full compliance with contract plans, specifications, special provisions, CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail requirements, FRA safety regulations, applicable NEC/NFPA electrical codes, environmental commitments, and approved safety plans.
Responsibilities
  • Inspect and approve contractor sitework, traction power and electrical installations, structural components, underground utilities, grounding and bonding systems, and related infrastructure to ensure conformance with contract documents and established quality standards; identify nonconforming work and ensure timely corrective action.
  • Oversee construction activities occurring within railroad right-of-way, ensuring compliance with railroad safety protocols, flagging requirements, outage coordination procedures, and approved work windows.
  • Prepare detailed Daily Work Reports (DWRs) documenting construction activities, workforce, equipment, deliveries, inspections, testing, safety observations, and significant project events.
  • Perform field measurements and assessments of completed work; calculate and verify contractor pay quantities including concrete foundations, duct banks, grounding systems, structural elements, and installed electrical equipment.
  • Collaborate with the Resident Engineer in resolving field issues, addressing substandard or nonconforming work, evaluating extra work requests, and supporting negotiation of change orders.
  • Analyze and evaluate constructability challenges associated with rail operations, electrical installations, and confined work areas; provide practical and technically sound solutions to maintain schedule and compliance.
  • Review, verify, and recommend approval of contractor submittals, shop drawings, electrical schematics, protection and control diagrams, materials, and installation methods to ensure compliance with contract documents and applicable codes.
  • Witness and document required inspections, material testing, electrical testing, grounding resistance testing, protective relay testing, battery system testing, SCADA integration testing, and system commissioning activities.
  • Prepare engineering and administrative reports with technical accuracy and clarity.
  • Provide supervision, oversight, and technical guidance to junior inspectors and field technicians to ensure proper coverage, documentation, and quality control.
  • Participate in progress meetings, safety briefings, and coordination meetings with CTDOT staff, railroad representatives, contractors, utility providers, and other stakeholders; prepare meeting summaries and track action items as required.
  • Coordinate with contractor project managers, subcontractors, railroad personnel, and utility companies to prevent work conflicts, ensure safe sequencing of operations, and minimize service disruptions.
  • Collaborate with public officials, property owners, and business representatives, when required, to address construction-related concerns and minimize community impacts.
  • Monitor Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (M&PT) operations to ensure compliance with approved traffic control plans and protection of workers and the traveling public.
  • Monitor contractor compliance with environmental permits, erosion and sedimentation control measures, safety plans, Affirmative Action (AA), and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices utilized on complex railroad and traction power construction projects, including work associated with high-voltage substations, arc-resistant switchgear, protective relay systems, SCADA/RTU integration, DC battery systems, underground concrete-encased duct banks, grounding and bonding systems, structural foundations, drainage systems, and construction within active rail right-of-way environments; considerable technical skill in the preparation of engineering and administrative reports; skill and ability to analyze and evaluate electrical, structural, and civil construction issues in compliance with CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail requirements, FRA safety regulations, and applicable NEC/NFPA codes, and provide effective, constructible solutions; thorough understanding of railroad safety procedures, outage coordination, and work window restrictions; strong interpersonal skills; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to perform complex mathematical calculations for quantity verification and pay estimates; ability to interpret and enforce contract plans, specifications, shop drawings, electrical schematics, and testing/commissioning procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of field inspection experience on railroad, transportation, electrical, or heavy civil infrastructure projects plus one of the following:
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

OR
Ten (10) years of relevant field construction or inspection experience with NICET Level IV certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret civil, structural, and electrical construction drawings.
  • Experience preparing detailed inspection reports and verifying pay quantities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a Chief Inspector on CTDOT or other public-sector rail infrastructure projects.
  • Experience with commuter or intercity railroad projects, traction power systems, substations, underground utilities, duct banks, and electrical system commissioning.
  • Familiarity with CTDOT Rail standards, commuter rail operating procedures, FRA regulations, and NEC/NFPA requirements.
  • Relevant certifications such as:
    • ACI Certification
    • NETTCP Concrete
    • NETTCP Soils & Aggregate
    • ATSSA Traffic Control Technician
    • OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Construction Safety
  • Familiarity with digital construction management systems (e.g., AASHTOWare, COMPASS, or similar).
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and off-hours during scheduled rail outages or critical operations

Physical & Working Conditions
  • Ability to work year-round in active construction and railroad environments.
  • Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain, access substation structures, climb ladders, and observe elevated electrical equipment.
  • Exposure to active rail operations, heavy equipment, and high-voltage electrical systems.
  • Combination of field and office work under varied weather and site conditions.
  • Must meet all applicable railroad safety and training requirements.

Benefits
M&J is a leader in providing quality engineering consulting services to a diverse and exciting client base. We attract experienced professionals who understand proactive client service, safety, risk management and loss prevention practices, quality control, teamwork, and the development of younger staff. We seek employees who enjoy their work, desire continuous improvement, and want to contribute to the vision and growth of a quality, employee-owned, professional firm. To all full-time employees we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental and eye insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, etc. Salary will depend on experience and credentials.