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Freight Train Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Planner

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

They train, manage and mentor junior staff and motivate staff and subconsultants to deliver work ... Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Transportation Economics or related field * Freight and/or ...

They train, manage and mentor junior staff and motivate staff and subconsultants to deliver work ... Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Transportation Economics or related field * Freight and/or ...

Logistics Coordinator

Carson, CA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Train, or facilitate the training of, new associates in all aspects of their job function * Manage ... Facilitate communication and freight coordination between internal departments and key external ...

Logistics Coordinator

Carson, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Train, or facilitate the training of, new associates in all aspects of their job function * Manage ... Review freight invoices for accuracy and process them in a timely manner * Monitor shipment ...

Our services include the consolidation and forwarding of air or ocean freight, customs brokerage ... Globally unified systems At Expeditors, we recruit, train, and retain the very best logistics and ...

Our services include the consolidation and forwarding of air or ocean freight, customs brokerage ... Globally unified systems At Expeditors, we recruit, train, and retain the very best logistics and ...

$118K - $153K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation, Business Administration or similar (M.Sc ... Deep understanding of American freight railroad operations, capacity planning, and coordination ...

$20 - $35/hr

... with train dispatchers and engineers, ensuring work groups are clear of limits during train ... or Class II freight railroad * Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of ...

$20 - $35/hr

... with train dispatchers and engineers, ensuring work groups are clear of limits during train ... or Class II freight railroad * Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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.

How do you become a freight train engineer?

To become a freight train engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program provided by a railroad company. They must obtain a locomotive engineer license or certification, which involves passing written and practical exams, and often requires a clean driving record and good communication skills. Experience operating trains and knowledge of safety protocols are also essential.

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, manage speed, communicate with dispatchers, and perform safety checks throughout their shift, which often involves long hours and adherence to strict regulations.

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:

Infographic showing various Freight Train Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,849 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Planner

Cambridge Systematics

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Leads and supports freight and goods movement planning projects, including statewide and regional studies, safety studies, and economic analysis.

  • Develops and manages project delivery plans, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to client satisfaction.

  • Builds and maintains relationships with clients and partners, contributes to business development efforts, and mentors junior staff.


Job description

Description
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (CS) is shaping the future of transportation. We are industry leaders, transportation specialists dedicated to ensuring that transportation investments can deliver the best possible results. By providing innovative policy and planning solutions, objective analyses and technology applications, we help our clients anticipate and meet future transportation needs while improving the performance of existing infrastructure and operations. Above all, we are committed to our clients' success in making transportation better for future generations.
The Freight and Economics team provides industry-leading services in data-driven planning to transportation agencies, states, cities, MPOs, ports, and railroads across the US. We apply our national knowledge and leadership while leveraging the strength of regional expertise to bring experience from across the country to provide an intimate understanding of our clients' needs. We work with clients large and small, providing right-size solutions to the complex problems facing the industry: changing economies and climates, uncertain funding, interagency coordination, historic inequity, supply chain and infrastructure resiliency, maintaining an effective workforce, and ensuring the safety and sustainability of goods movement.
The Senior Planner provides leadership and support in all areas of freight and goods movement planning, including statewide and regional planning studies, multimodal and shared-use corridor studies, multimodal safety studies, financial and economic analysis, benefit-cost analysis and grant development, transportation policy analysis, asset management and environmental analysis, freight modeling and analytics, truck parking studies, resilience studies, transportation equity analyses, and transportation project implementation. They have strong relationships and qualifications with state agencies, cities, MPOs, ports, railroads, and private sector operators across the United States. They will preferably have experience and relationships with clients and teaming partners in Southern California, including but not limited to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and LA Metro.
The Senior Planner collaborates with other technical leaders and project managers across business units to develop integrated technical approaches and serve as a company-wide resource in their areas of expertise. They train, manage and mentor junior staff and motivate staff and subconsultants to deliver work products on time and within budget. The Senior Planner develops collaborative relationships with current and prospective clients and teaming partners, proactively identifies future leads, leads teaming negotiations with other consulting firms, and develops winning proposals that contribute to the firm's book of work and industry reputation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Project Management
โ€ข Delivers all projects on-time, on-budget, and to the client or project manager's satisfaction โ€ข Provides constructive and ongoing feedback to project team members, and mentors junior staff in developing their project delivery skills
โ€ข Provides clear direction to all project staff regarding project objectives and their role in achieving them
โ€ข Develops and implements project delivery plan for each project
Project Delivery
โ€ข Plans, produces and delivers exceptional quality work that is thorough, polished, and reflects well on CS
โ€ข Provides exceptional value-added service to project managers and/or clients and communicates consistently with internal and external team members
โ€ข Actively listens and seeks to understand client or project manager needs
Business Development
โ€ข Participates in regional, business unit, practice area, and other business development initiative meetings to identify and coordinate BD and marketing activities
โ€ข Contributes to sound bid/no-bid decisions
โ€ข Develops effective win themes, teaming strategies, pricing strategies, and technical content for all proposals in area of responsibility
โ€ข Builds and maintains long-term client relationships and actively listens to their needs
โ€ข Builds strong positive relationships with management and senior consultants, and marketing & communications staff to develop winning proposals
Position Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Transportation Economics, or related field
  • 8+ years of industry-related experience
  • 3+ years of experience managing projects and leading proposals
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • Strong and effective communication, presentation, and technical writing skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Transportation Economics or related field
  • Freight and/or economics experience/educational background
  • Grant writing knowledge and/or experience
  • Experience working with transportation or economic data sets
  • Located in (or willing to relocate to) Southern California
  • 3+ years of experience in public sector consulting and professional services
  • Experience leading transportation plans or studies, as a consultant or public agency manager, in California
  • A strong professional network within the Southern California transportation industry

Cambridge Systematics is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a culture in which every voice is valued, where employees have a sense of belonging and connection with one another and to the organization, and they feel empowered to do their best work. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture within the firm and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to our open positions.
If you think you have what it takes but aren't sure you meet all the requirements of this job, we invite you to connect with us. We value all perspectives and life experiences and want to hear about yours.
EOE AA M/F/VET/DISABILITY
Salary: $155k-$175k