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Freight Train Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hutchinson

Sr. Buyer

Burbank, CA

$100K - $115K/yr

... freight exposure and avoid expedite fees. * Analyze potential impact of any changes or delays in ... Help determine effectivity and impact of engineering change orders, taking into account the cost ...

Jeld-Wen Inc.

Plant Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Controls and minimizes labor overtime, premium freight, and repair expenses. * Maintains existing ... Works with the VPO, R&D, and/or Engineering in developing specs for same. * Work closely with R&D ...

Jeld-Wen, Inc.

Plant Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Controls and minimizes labor overtime, premium freight, and repair expenses. * Maintains existing ... Works with the VPO, R&D, and/or Engineering in developing specs for same. * Work closely with R&D ...

HDR

Real Estate Services Technician 1

Long Beach, CA · On-site

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... Train in job-appropriate aspects of the right-of-way industry * Perform other duties as needed ...

New

HDR

Real Estate Services Technician 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... Train in job-appropriate aspects of the right-of-way industry * Perform other duties as needed ...

HDR

Real Estate Services Technician 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... Train in job-appropriate aspects of the right-of-way industry * Perform other duties as needed ...

Multi Sales

SALES MANAGER

La Palma, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Ability to recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate outside sales reps and inside customer service ... Functional understanding of inventory control, freight management, supply chain operations, and ...

Multi Sales

SALES MANAGER

La Palma, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Ability to recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate outside sales reps and inside customer service ... Functional understanding of inventory control, freight management, supply chain operations, and ...

Gilead

Sr Supply Chain Specialist

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Coordinate with internal stakeholders, depots, couriers, freight forwarders, and external partners ... Mentor and train less experienced team members on shipment processes, issue management ...

HDR

Senior Marketing Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... Train and mentor employees on business development and marketing best practices * Create marketing ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFreight Train Engineer JobsFreight Train Engineer Jobs in California

Freight Train Engineer information

See California salary details

$35K

$94.8K

$165.8K

How much do freight train engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight train engineer in California is $94,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by freight train engineers on the job?

Freight Train Engineers often face challenges such as operating trains in various weather conditions, adhering to strict timetables, and responding quickly to equipment or track issues that arise en route. They must remain vigilant for unexpected obstacles or signals and comply with complex safety regulations at all times. Additionally, engineers frequently work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can affect work-life balance. Despite these challenges, the role offers an engaging environment with strong teamwork and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or training positions.

What is a freight train engineer?

A Freight Train Engineer operates and controls freight trains, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods. They monitor train speed, track signals, and mechanical systems while following safety regulations and schedules. Engineers communicate with dispatchers and rail yard personnel to coordinate movements and handle emergencies. This role requires extensive training, certification, and knowledge of rail systems, mechanical functions, and safety protocols.

How do you become a freight train engineer?

To become a freight train engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and completion of a formal training program provided by a railroad company or a technical school. They must also pass background checks, medical exams, and obtain certification from the Federal Railroad Administration, which includes passing written and practical tests. Experience operating trains or related machinery is often required before advancing to a full engineer role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freight train engineer, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Freight Train Engineer, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by a federally mandated locomotive engineer certification. Familiarity with train control systems, safety protocols, and electronic logging devices is essential for operating and navigating freight locomotives safely. Excellent situational awareness, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe train operation, adherence to schedules, and effective responses to unexpected challenges on the rail.

What does a freight train engineer do on a freight train?

A freight train engineer operates and controls the locomotive to move freight cars along rail lines, ensuring safe and efficient transportation. They monitor gauges, signals, and track conditions, and may use tools like radios and control panels. The job requires attention to safety protocols, adherence to schedules, and often involves long hours and shift work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Train Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Freight Train Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freight Train Engineer jobs in California?

For Freight Train Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freight Train Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Train Engineer jobs in California are:

Freight Train Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Train Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,849 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Transit Systems Project Manager

HDR

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is seeking a Senior Transit Project Manager to serve as the Los Angeles Systems Lead in the HDR LA office. The successful candidate will have experience and take responsibility for managing all transit system-related projects, leading planning and design teams and engaging clients in the Los Angeles area. Specific responsibilities include coordinating the planning and design of rail systems projects as well as managing the assembly of plans, specifications and design/construction estimate packages. Additionally, this individual will be viewed as a key party to serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR. This individual must be a technical expert, with recognized authority in multiple areas of transit and/or rail systems that resolve problems of broader scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or design activities which have significant impact on major company programs. The individual must also be able to plan, organize and supervise the work of medium-to-large staff of professionals and technicians. Experience leading teams within project management, design management and design build partnership arrangements is a must.
This position will be responsible for managing the design development of transit systems elements, ensuring seamless coordination with track, civil, and facilities disciplines, and supporting construction activities throughout project delivery. In addition, the role will actively participate in HDR's Los Angeles client development meetings, contributing to strategic planning and relationship-building efforts across Los Angeles.
Systems elements:
  • AC and DC Traction and Power Distribution Systems
  • Utility supply interface coordination
  • Train Control
  • Communications
  • SCADA
  • Corrosion Control
  • Fare Collection, passenger information and security systems

Transit projects additional roles:
A. Program Management Role
  • Cultivate client relations building internal strength in existing roles by showing depth in systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety critical elements of transit systems
  • Provide oversight of signaling as part of management team
  • Supplement operations analysis and planning studies with knowledge of systems

B. Lead Designer Role
  • Management of specialty subcontractors
  • Review submittals, perform QA/QC checks
  • Review partners/subcontractor estimates

C. Construction Management role
  • Practical knowledge of communications commissioning
  • Management and documentation of compliance from contractor
  • Integration of signals testing and entry into operations.

Other responsibilities:
  • Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project's lifecycle (from development & initiation to close-out)
  • Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, involving a large project staff
  • Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
  • Establish and maintain client relations, and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
  • Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders
  • Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule
  • Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed-to budget and schedule
  • Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews
  • Implement QA/QC procedures
  • Supervise large project staffs and act as mentor for less-experienced Project Managers
  • Perform other duties as needed.

#LI-JF1
Keywords: Senior Transit Systems Project Manager, Traction, Power Distribution Systems, train control, SCADA, railway system
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
  • Advanced degree preferred but not required
  • PE license preferred but not required
  • 10+ years of experience in railway systems
  • Solid experience with client development, commuter and freight rail, electrification systems for intercity, commuter systems, heavy rail, light rail, streetcar, and electrified bus operations
  • Experience with communications and train control, interface management and system integration design and implementation.
  • Experience with CADD tools and ability to complete designs individually
  • Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 10 years related experience
  • A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
  • Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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Hours and flexibility

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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