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Freight Train Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Senior Signals Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

... freight rail projects. Summary: * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and engineering ... Design and analyze wayside signal systems, interlockings, switch machine systems, train detection ...

AK Steel

Locomotive Conductor Engineer

Railroad, PA

Work on freight trains, take direction from conductor, foremen and supervisors. * Lines switches ... Maintains accurate records during train operation. * Effective communication with customers and ...

AECOM

Signals Discipline Lead

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

... rail, and freight rail projects. * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and engineering ... Design and analyze wayside signal systems, interlockings, switch machine systems, train detection ...

AECOM

Signals Discipline Lead

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

... rail, and freight rail projects. * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and engineering ... Design and analyze wayside signal systems, interlockings, switch machine systems, train detection ...

AECOM

Signals Discipline Lead

Philadelphia, PA

... rail, and freight rail projects. * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and engineering ... Design and analyze wayside signal systems, interlockings, switch machine systems, train detection ...

Wabtec

CNC Programmer

Grove City, PA · On-site

Ability to train/mentor other team members through technical communications and / or classroom ... Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise ...

WABTEC

CNC Programmer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Ability to train/mentor other team members through technical communications and / or classroom ... Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise ...

Wabtec

CNC Programmer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Ability to train/mentor other team members through technical communications and / or classroom ... Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise ...

WABTEC

CNC Programmer

Grove City, PA · On-site

$90K/yr

Ability to train/mentor other team members through technical communications and / or classroom ... Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise ...

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All JobsFreight Train Engineer JobsFreight Train Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Freight Train Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$35.6K

$96.3K

$168.4K

How much do freight train engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight train engineer in Pennsylvania is $96,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $108,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Freight Train Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

Freight Train Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Train Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,338 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Senior Signals Engineer

AECOM

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM's Transportation business line in Philadelphia, PA is seeking an experienced Senior Signals Engineer to lead the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit signal systems through conceptual, preliminary, final design, and construction support phases for light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, and freight rail projects.
Summary:
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and engineering oversight to mid-level and junior engineers, designers, and CAD staff, including performing QA/QC reviews and supporting staff development.
  • Develop signal design packages including signal layouts, interlocking plans, control line diagrams, route and aspect charts, cable routing plans, signal house layouts, equipment location plans, and associated construction documents.
  • Design and analyze wayside signal systems, interlockings, switch machine systems, train detection systems, vital and non-vital logic, and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems in accordance with industry standards and client requirements.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, technical specifications, bills of materials, cost estimates, design reports, and other technical documentation required to support project delivery.
  • Coordinate signal system interfaces with traction power, communications, SCADA, OCS, train control, track, civil, roadway, station, and utility systems to ensure successful multidisciplinary integration.
  • Support the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of conventional signaling, Positive Train Control (PTC), Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), Automatic Train Protection (ATP), and Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems.
  • Support project planning and execution activities, including scope development, resource forecasting, schedule management, technical risk assessment, proposal preparation, fee development, and business development efforts.
  • Conduct field investigations, site inspections, diagnostic reviews, testing, commissioning, cutovers, and construction support activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and supporting revenue service implementation.
  • Interface with clients, railroads, contractors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders while ensuring compliance with FRA, FTA, AREMA, MUTCD, railroad owner standards, and applicable safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
  • Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, cutover planning, and revenue service implementation activities for signal, train control, and grade crossing systems.
  • Develop signal design criteria, standards, specifications, engineer's cost estimates, and evaluate alternative technical solutions and value engineering opportunities to improve safety, reliability, constructability, and lifecycle costs.
  • Support and coordinate highway-rail grade crossings, traffic signal preemption and transit signal priority (TSP) systems, while interfacing with FRA, railroads, transit agencies, roadway authorities, utility owners, and other project stakeholders throughout project development and implementation.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field and 6 years of relevant experience in rail signal design, testing, or construction or demonstrated equivalency of education and/or experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or ability and willingness to obtain within two years of hire.
  • Experience with AREMA guidelines, FRA regulations, and signal design practices.
  • Experience with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation)
  • Experience with reading and programming logic and vital logic equations.
  • Experience working with microprocessor-based vital logic controllers such as ElectroLogIXS and Microlock II.
  • Experience with the working principles of DC and AC track circuits.
  • Experience with CAB signaling design and coded track circuits, audio frequency track circuits, and phase shift overlay circuits.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8 years of relevant experience in rail signal design, testing, or construction.
  • Working knowledge of legacy and modern interlocking systems.
  • Familiarity with signal vendors (e.g., Siemens, Alstom, Hitachi, Wabtec).
  • Field or construction support experience including signal cutover or testing.
  • The Professional Engineer(PE) License.
  • The Project Management Professional(PMP) License.

Additional Information
  • We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship may be available for current visa holders in the United States.
  • Relocation assistance may be available for this role.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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