1

Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$117K - $153K/yr

Experience as Traction Power Supply and Distribution Design Engineer for Rail Transit Systems ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Experience as Traction Power Supply and Distribution Design Engineer for Rail Transit Systems ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical ...

Electrical Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Comstock & Company LLC is one of the largest specialty electrical contractors for transit rail ... Evaluate engineering designs prepared by outside consultants for accuracy and compliance. * Provide ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Alexandria, VA

$115K - $149K/yr

Passenger rail or transit systems * Highway or tunnel electrical systems * Airport electrical ... A technically accomplished electrical engineer who can provide leadership across complex ...

Comstock & Company LLC is one of the largest specialty electrical contractors for transit rail ... Evaluate engineering designs prepared by outside consultants for accuracy and compliance. * Provide ...

Electrical Engineer This role focuses on end-to-end design, analysis, and validation of complex multi-rail board power architectures for high-reliability electronic systems. The electrical engineer ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

Passenger rail or transit systems * Highway or tunnel electrical systems * Airport electrical ... A technically accomplished electrical engineer who can provide leadership across complex ...

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook ... Reporting to the Director of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design, the Electrical Engineer ...

... railway systems. Day-to-day, you'll work closely with teams across the business (mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, assemblers, purchasing, and quality assurance), ensure the application of ...

... railway systems. Day-to-day, you'll work closely with teams across the business (mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, assemblers, purchasing, and quality assurance), ensure the application of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do freelance railway electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance railway electrical engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer vs Railway Electrical Technician?

AspectFreelance Railway Electrical EngineerRailway Electrical Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in railway systemsTechnical diploma or certification in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, consulting, project management, on-site supervisionMaintenance, troubleshooting, installation in railway facilities
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractors, consulting firms, railway companiesRailway companies, maintenance firms, workshops

Freelance Railway Electrical Engineers focus on designing and managing railway electrical systems, often working independently or with consulting firms. Railway Electrical Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and repairs within railway operations. While both roles require electrical expertise, engineers typically have a broader scope involving planning and oversight, whereas technicians focus on operational support and troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, rail infrastructure knowledge, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or CEng). Familiarity with CAD software, railway signaling systems, and safety standards like EN 50126/50128 is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and client communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, reliable, and compliant railway systems while effectively managing projects and client expectations.

What does a Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer do?

A Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems used in railway networks, such as signaling, traction power, and communication systems. Working independently, they often consult with rail operators, contractors, or infrastructure companies to ensure projects meet safety and technical standards. Their responsibilities can include site inspections, system upgrades, and project management, often requiring them to adapt to various client needs and project scopes.

What are some common challenges freelance railway electrical engineers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance railway electrical engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating project schedules across different clients, adapting to varying technical standards, and ensuring consistent communication with diverse teams. Managing documentation and compliance requirements for multiple railway authorities can also be demanding. Staying up to date with industry regulations and building strong relationships with stakeholders are essential for success in these roles.
More about Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Railway Electrical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Railway Electrical Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Railway Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Chief Inspector Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

Chief Inspector Railroad & Electrical Infrastructure

M&J Engineering

Hamden, CT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

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.


  • 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.

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.

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.