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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director amtrak engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director amtrak engineer in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Amtrak Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

A Director Amtrak Engineer often encounters challenges related to coordinating large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations, and managing multidisciplinary engineering teams. Balancing project deadlines with safety and quality standards requires strong leadership and effective communication across departments. To address these challenges, successful directors prioritize ongoing training, implement robust risk management practices, and foster a culture of collaboration between engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.

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

To succeed as a Director Amtrak Engineer, a strong background in civil or mechanical engineering, extensive rail industry experience, and a relevant engineering degree with professional licensure (such as PE) are essential. Familiarity with rail-specific systems, project management tools, and regulatory compliance standards is typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help manage multidisciplinary teams and complex projects effectively. These skills are critical to ensuring safety, regulatory adherence, and the successful delivery of large-scale rail engineering initiatives.

What does a Director Amtrak Engineer do?

A Director Amtrak Engineer oversees engineering operations within Amtrak, including the planning, management, and execution of rail infrastructure projects. They are responsible for ensuring safety standards, regulatory compliance, and the efficient use of resources in rail system maintenance and development. This role involves collaborating with various departments, managing engineering teams, and contributing to strategic decisions affecting Amtrak's rail network. Directors also play a key role in budgeting, project timelines, and stakeholder communication. Their leadership ensures the reliability and improvement of Amtrak's train services.

What is the difference between Director Amtrak Engineer vs Amtrak Engineer?

AspectDirector Amtrak EngineerAmtrak Engineer
CredentialsValid engineer certification, seniority in operationsEngineer certification, locomotive operation license
Work EnvironmentManagement, oversight of train operationsLocomotive operation, on-the-ground train driving
Employer & IndustryAmtrak, passenger rail industryAmtrak, passenger rail industry

The main difference is that the Director Amtrak Engineer oversees train operations and manages teams, while the Amtrak Engineer is responsible for operating the trains directly. The director role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role focuses on locomotive operation and safety.

More about Director Amtrak Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Amtrak Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director Amtrak Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Amtrak Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Amtrak Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Director Amtrak Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Amtrak Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Amtrak Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Amtrak Engineer jobs are:
Director Amtrak Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Amtrak Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Dir Portfolio Management Systems - 90360658 - Philadelphia

Dir Portfolio Management Systems - 90360658 - Philadelphia

Amtrak

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Amtrak rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 77 rated public transport

Job description

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

The Director Portfolio Management will be responsible for managing project development, identifying appropriate delivery methods, and advancing projects from concept to execution planning for the System Portfolio; which includes sub-portfolios for System (IMCS Production) Infrastructure Renewal, Equipment Acquisition and Overhauls and 562 Signals Upgrades. Leveraging best practices in project development and delivery, the Director Portfolio Management will drive scope, schedule and budget for Amtrak’s projects and programs. The Director will ensure adherence to project scope, budget, schedules, and the requirements of stakeholders throughout all project development and planning phases.

Essential Functions
  • Leads the development, administration and execution of the budget for assigned programs; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate.
  • Responsible for development and assignment of people and resources to project teams to ensure projects execute as planned – safely, delivering high quality assets, on time and on budget.
  • Responsible for application of department policies and procedures related to construction safety, project management, construction management and contractor management, including training and development of staff to implement new procedures.
  • Directs and leads the development of scope of work, procurement and delivery strategy and coordination with Amtrak’s Engineering and construction teams. 
  • Support early project development work by other departments to enable successful project approval and funding for the projects not funded in the next five years.
  • Coordination and collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration, state partners, freight railroads and other Amtrak internal stakeholders, as necessary to support active project delivery.
  • Oversee and direct resource allocations, compliance audits and inspections, and improvement initiatives in quality assurance and quality control procedures.
  • Manage, monitor, and contribute to project schedules, progress, and costs; maintain, adjust, and update project plans, as needed; consolidate, communicate and manage all issues and risks affecting a project, and ensure the timely communication of project status to project participants and stakeholders.
  • Oversees development and implementation of project and plans, schedules, and budgets consistent with operational needs and budget allowances, and oversee bid negotiations and consultant relationships. Ensure project progress by measuring the variance in scope, schedule, cost, and quality from the respective baselines and takes necessary action to address deviations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Advanced principles of project management for improvement and maintenance projects and programs.         
  • Knowledge of laws and regulations for railroad capital improvement and maintenance projects and programs.
  • Expertise in project delivery, engineering, and maintenance roles.
  • Understanding of railroad systems including track, structures, signals, and electric traction.    
  • Budget preparation, contract negotiation, public administration, and performance evaluation. 
  • Awareness of social, political, and environmental issues affecting capital pro
  • Familiarity with labor union agreements, Amtrak organization, and relevant regulations.         
  • Ability to motivate and support employees, conduct meetings, and resolve conflicts
  • Excellent communication skills for interacting with stakeholders and presenting project status.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required OR equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Plus,
  • 11 years of prior relevant experience required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree
  • 13+ years of relevant experience preferred
  • LEAD (or equivalent) leadership training.
  • PMP Certification
  • Knowledge of work rules and safety standards including Amtrak’s AMT-23 and 27, FRA Rules and Regulations Governing Railroad Signal and Train Control Systems, Roadway Worker Protection, and NORAC/General Code Operating Rules.  If individual has not qualified under these, then he/she must have the ability to do so within a year.
  • Experience with capital projects within the railroad operation environment.
Work Environment
  • Office and field work environment
  • Travel up to 50%

#LI-LA1

The salary/hourly range is $163,000.00 – $211,140.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. 

Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K with Employer MatchGenerous Paid Time Off Wellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsPaid Caregiving Days and Backup CareHealth Savings AccountPublic Service Student Loan ForgivenessFertility and Family Building BenefitsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateStudent Loan AssistanceAdoption and Surrogacy AssistanceMedical Plan Opt-out CreditTuition and Education ReimbursementPaid Family Leave Life InsuranceRail Pass Privileges Short- and Long-term Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program No-cost Financial Advisor SessionsCommuter and Flexible Spending Accounts

 Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166817
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements: Up to 50%

Recruiter Name:Lawrence Allen
Recruiter Email: Lawrence.Allen@amtrak.com

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.

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About Amtrak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Industry

Travel arrangement services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1971

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