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Freelance Railway Signal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Professional, Signal Engineer - CBTC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Professional, Signal Engineer-CBTC to join our Transit and Rail/Systems Engineering in on of our New York or New Jersey offices. This position can be ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Professional, Signal Engineer-CBTC to join our Transit and Rail/Systems Engineering in on of our New York or New Jersey offices. This position can be ...

Perform engineering tasks related to the design and integration of railroad signaling and communications systems. * Prepare engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, and system ...

Rail Systems Engineer II

Somerset, WI · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

Perform engineering tasks related to the design and integration of railroad signaling and communications systems. * Prepare engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, and system ...

Perform engineering tasks related to the design and integration of railroad signaling and communications systems. * Prepare engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, and system ...

Comstock & Company LLC is one of the largest specialty electrical contractors for transit rail ... Monday-Friday (weekends if available) Position Summary The Signal Systems Engineer will support the ...

Signal Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Comstock & Company LLC is one of the largest specialty electrical contractors for transit rail ... Monday-Friday (weekends if available) Position Summary The Signal Systems Engineer will support the ...

Signals Engineering Technician

New York, NY · On-site

$95K - $109K/yr

The Signal Engineer will work closely with senior engineers, project managers, and ... Prepare signal system designs for railroad, commuter rail, transit, and light rail projects.

Rail Systems Engineer I

Somerset, WI · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

The Rail Systems Engineer I performs entry level engineering work supporting the design ... Demonstrate willingness to learn railroad signal systems and integration practices * This position ...

The Rail Systems Engineer I performs entry level engineering work supporting the design ... Demonstrate willingness to learn railroad signal systems and integration practices * This position ...

The Rail Systems Engineer I performs entry level engineering work supporting the design ... Demonstrate willingness to learn railroad signal systems and integration practices * This position ...

Design and integrate railroad signaling, communications, and control systems. * Develop system ... Prepare detailed engineering documentation including wiring diagrams, system layouts, and interface ...

Senior Signals Engineer

Philadelphia, PA

$105K - $144K/yr

Prepare engineering calculations, technical specifications, bills of materials, cost estimates ... Support and coordinate highway-rail grade crossings, traffic signal preemption and transit signal ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 2, 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:

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:

Infographic showing various Freelance Railway Signal Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,349 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Signals and Communications Foreman will report to the Supervisor or Superintendent responsible for the
geographical location of the assigned project. The Signals and Communications Foreman will work together with the Signals and Communications team and local client representatives to manage and direct an assigned crew of employees to deliver successful projects by exceeding corporate and client objectives while ensuring the safety of all employees. The Signals and Communications Foreman works with the assigned Signals and Communications Maintainers and Apprentices to organize and manage daily work and all other related activities to project including installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing railroad signaling and communications equipment as well as emergencies and track outages.

The Signals and Communications Foreman assists other S&C personnel in the completion of their daily assigned activities while remaining focused on safety and creating a zero-incident safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work Safe and provide a quality product
  • Coordination of signals and communication maintenance and installation activities supporting the Supervisor at the project location site which includes preparing inventory specific documentation, data entry, and reports as required
  • Coordinate with field operations leadership for track scheduling to ensure client project objectives are met or exceeded
  • Administration requirements for individual projects including the collection of data, logging of daily activities, and all reports involving occupational health and safety related matters including but not limited to near-miss reports, rules and regulatory infractions, and all other safety related accidents and incidents
  • Material and resource ordering ensuring job site is well-equipped and stocked with necessary machinery, tools, and materials
  • Maintain train operating restrictions in alignment with client and legislative standards and correct deviations in signaling equipment and structures at client site
  • Provide instruction to Signals and Communications crews to complete the following tasks:
  • Replacement, installation and general repairs to railway signaling structures
  • Unload and distribute track material, machinery, and all other required materials at job site / project site
  • Install signal/communication structures and components in all types of weather conditions
  • Respond to Emergency Situations at a moments notice
  • Set up barricades to isolate potentially dangerous situations
  • Prepare and paint signal equipment
  • Inspect, test, repair and maintain communication/signal and electrical equipment
  • Troubleshoot work-related problems
  • Perform basic mathematics to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
  • Assist in administration and documentation of REMCAN policies, plans and procedures
  • Comply with FRA roadway worker protection standards, railway operating rules, and safe work procedures (REMCAN and external stakeholders or respective clients)
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) Including but not limited to Steel Toe Boots, Safety Glasses, Reflective Apparel, Hearing Protection, Gloves, Etc.
  • Work outdoors at railroad construction sites including harsh weather conditions
  • Work in steep ballast conditions, unlevel ground
  • May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles (proper PPE will be provided). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to live track/trains and high voltage. 
  • Must adhere to AREMA and customers engineering standards. 
Position Requirements
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Signals and Communications operations and previous leadership experience
  • Must be current or previously qualified in railroad signaling and communications
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic understanding of inventory management
  • Lift/Push/Pull 75 LB
  • Stoop/Bend/Kneel/Crouch/Balance/Climb on an occasional basis
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
  • Climb ladders and poles up to at least 40 feet to make repairs, tests and installations
  • Equipment restrictions mandate that an incumbent must not exceed the 300lb equipment capacity limits (including 15lb of required tools) to safely perform the job duties.
  • Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations
  • Hold a valid Class B drivers license
  • Pass E-Railsafe background check and DOT pre-employment drug test
  • Travel 90% of the time
  • Strong organizational, verbal, and electronic communication skills
  • Ability to read and understand company policies and procedures as well as communicate changes to assigned work group
  • Ability to multitask and handle multiple deadlines with changing priorities
  • Be self-motivated and driven with a strong adherence to safety rules and regulations
  • Ability to work independently and to work as part of a team
Travel pay and per diem provided
Hotels paid for by the company
The listed above job description may not represent all the duties and responsibilities that may be required of this position. There may be additional or unplanned duties which may be required. All new hires must be able to successfully complete and maintain a DOT/FRA pre-employment drug test and a background check for E-Railsafe requirements. 
 
This company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.