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Freelance Railway Signal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CDL Electric

Railroad Lead Signal Engineer

Pittsburg, KS

$61K - $82K/yr

We are looking for a Lead Signal Engineer to join our Signal Engineering and Compliance team. Why Join Us? Work on cutting-edge rail technology projects. Be part of a team committed to safety ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Stacy Witbeck

Senior Signal Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

MRS-- Headquarters Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000 / year Description Modern Railway Systems, a subsidiary of Stacy Witbeck is seeking an experienced Senior Signal Engineer to plan, design, and ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Sr. Signal Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Sr. Signal Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Omaha, NE · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Englewood, CO · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement * 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

As a Signal Engineer you are responsible for engineering rail signal systems, including circuit design and vital logic programming. The Signal Engineer role will require working within customer ...

Wabtec

Signal Engineer IV

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

As a Signal Engineer you are responsible for engineering rail signal systems, including circuit design and vital logic programming. The Signal Engineer role will require working within customer ...

Stacy Witbeck

Senior Signal Engineer

Littleton, CO

$104K - $143K/yr

Modern Railway Systems, a subsidiary of Stacy Witbeck is seeking an experienced Senior Signal Engineer to plan, design, and deliver rail transit signal systems from conceptual to final design, and ...

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Freelance Railway Signal Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$131.3K

$193.5K

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance railway signal engineer in the United States is $131,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance railway signal engineer do?

A Freelance Railway Signal Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, tests, installs, and maintains railway signaling systems on a contract or project basis. These engineers ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains by working with complex signaling technology and systems, such as interlockings and train detection equipment. As freelancers, they often work with multiple clients, providing expert advice, troubleshooting, and compliance checks to enhance rail safety and operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance railway signal engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Railway Signal Engineer, you need expertise in railway signaling principles, electrical engineering, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, relay interlocking systems, and signaling design software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail operations while meeting client specifications and regulatory standards.

How does a freelance railway signal engineer typically collaborate with project teams and clients during assignments?

As a Freelance Railway Signal Engineer, you'll frequently work with multidisciplinary project teams, including civil engineers, project managers, and contractors, often communicating remotely and on-site. Effective collaboration involves attending project meetings, sharing technical updates, and aligning your designs with the client's operational and safety requirements. You'll also be responsible for coordinating site visits and ensuring that your work integrates seamlessly with other engineering disciplines. Building strong client relationships and maintaining clear, timely communication are key to successfully delivering projects on time and to specification.

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

AspectFreelance Railway Signal EngineerRailway Signal Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in signaling systemsTechnical diploma or certification in signaling maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, consulting, project management, often freelance or contract basisOn-site maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of signaling equipment
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractors, consulting firms, railway companiesRailway companies, signaling service providers

The main difference is that Freelance Railway Signal Engineers focus on designing, consulting, and managing signaling projects independently, often working on a contractual basis. Railway Signal Technicians primarily handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of signaling systems on-site. Both roles require relevant certifications, but the engineer typically has a broader scope involving project planning and system design, while technicians focus on operational support and system upkeep.

More about Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Railway Signal Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Railway Signal Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Railway Signal Engineer jobs are:

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Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Railway Signal Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,349 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Railroad Senior Signal Engineer

C.D.L. ELECTRIC COMPANY, Inc.

Pittsburg, KS • On-site, Remote

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
Benefits Include:
  • Health, dental, vision, 401-K, and profit sharing for all full-time employees.
  • Employer Paid Long Term and Life Insurance Policy
  • Paid holidays after 60 days of employment
  • Employee referral bonuses

Summary:
This role is critical in ensuring the design, implementation, and maintenance of safe and reliable railroad signaling systems. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in signal engineering, regulatory compliance, and project management within the rail industry. A results-driven professional dedicated to building, sustaining, and advancing a positive workplace culture that aligns with organizational values and business objectives. Experienced in fostering employee engagement, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration through clear communication, leadership support, and consistent practices. Proven ability to influence culture at all levels by modeling core values, supporting change initiatives, and promoting a safe, respectful, and high-performance work environment.
Preferred Experiences:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field (Master's preferred).
  • Experience: 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or 10+ years' experience without a degree.
  • Visionary mindset for innovative solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of FRA regulations, AREMA standards, and signal system design principles.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite and signal design software and tools such as MicroStation and AutoCAD.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Experience with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
  • Familiarity with interlocking design and grade crossing warning systems.
  • Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) is a plus.
  • Previous signal safety checking experience
  • Signal programming experience
  • Signal program testing experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design, review, and approve railroad signaling systems in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance.
  • Develop and maintain technical specifications, drawings, and documentation for signaling systems.
  • Participate in the review of project scope with managers and project leads, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and project goals.
  • Review and manage document control, including maintaining versioning controls and reviewing deliverables for accuracy prior to submission.
  • Attend project reviews with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and alignment with project objectives.
  • Conduct risk assessments and ensure adherence to FRA, AREMA, and company standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Support troubleshooting and failure analysis for signaling equipment and systems.
  • Maintain good relations with other departments within the company including but not limited to quality, safety, engineering, sales, accounting and human resources.
  • Other duties as assigned by leadership.
  • Demonstrate and attain CDL Core Values: Accountability, Excellence, Safety, and People, Integrity.
  • Demonstrate and attain CDL Core Focus: Customer Satisfaction

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to lift, feel, handle or free objects.
  • The employee must be able to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, as well as wet weather.
  • The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and communicate with other employees.
  • The employee must be able to move and/or lift objects up to 50 pounds often.

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