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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 ...

CDL Electric

Railroad Senior Signal Engineer

Pittsburg, KS · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior 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 ...

WSP

Senior Rail Signal Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$150K - $225K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Systems, or Railway Engineering (or equivalent experience) * Minimum of 12+ years of experience in railway signaling system design, testing, or maintenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City, MO · On-site

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

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

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

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 ...

WSP

Senior Rail Signal Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Systems, or Railway Engineering (or equivalent experience) * Minimum of 12+ years of experience in railway signaling system design, testing, or maintenance

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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 4, 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.

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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Railway Signal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Railway Signal Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,349 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Railroad Lead Signal Engineer

CDL Electric

Pittsburg, KS

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

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, innovation, and compliance.
Competitive compensation and benefits package.

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 provide overall technical expertise for the design staff. You will lead quality assurance/quality control and act as an advisor on complex projects. You will direct and manage project staff on technical aspects of projects, including coordination with all disciplines involved on projects. 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.

Required Experiences:

  • Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field.
  • Experience: 3-6+ years in railroad signal design.
  • Working and applied knowledge of CAD tools (MicroStation, AutoCAD, or similar).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Knowledge of FRA regulations and AREMA signal design standards.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Experience with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
  • Expertise in interlocking design and grade crossing warning systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform intermediate-to advanced-level design while working under minimal direction and supervision.
  • Select and recommend design approaches as well as prepare preliminary designs for the engineering staff
  • Execute a range of advanced drafting and design responsibilities, including performing calculations, revising drawings, identifying material requirements, and evaluating project specifications.
  • Provide training or act as a mentor for less experienced staff.
  • Review and verify design accuracy, ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements.
  • Participate in the review of project scope with managers and project leads, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and project goals.
  • Support field implementation and provide technical assistance during installation and testing phases.
  • May attend client meetings.
  • 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, People, and 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.
  • All employees must wear company-approved safety glasses and steel toe boots while in the plant and warehouse areas.

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