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Light Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Light Rail Transit design experience * Familiarity with BRT/LRT standards and best practices ... and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had ...

Light Rail Transit design experience * Familiarity with BRT/LRT standards and best practices ... and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had ...

Job Duties include: Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and ... Knowledge of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

Minimum of 8 years of experience in rail track design, including light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, or freight rail projects. * Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at ...

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Light Rail Engineer information

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$10

$41

$73

How much do light rail engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail engineer in the United States is $41.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most light rail engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, highly experienced or senior-level engineers working in large metropolitan transit agencies or specialized consulting roles can potentially earn around $200,000 to $300,000. Achieving a $500,000 salary typically requires executive-level positions, such as transit agency directors or senior project managers, or roles combining engineering with executive responsibilities, often supplemented by bonuses or profit-sharing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare technical expertise.

What does a Light Rail Engineer do?

A Light Rail Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of light rail transit systems. Their work includes overseeing tracks, stations, signaling systems, and integration with other transportation modes. They collaborate with architects, urban planners, and contractors to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable rail services. Additionally, Light Rail Engineers address technical challenges and regulatory requirements throughout the lifecycle of a light rail project.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Light Rail Engineers typically do not earn $200,000 annually; salaries for this role usually range from $70,000 to $130,000 depending on experience and location. Higher salaries may be seen in senior or specialized engineering positions within transportation or infrastructure projects, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience.

How much do rail engineers get paid?

Rail or light rail engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits for working in technical environments and requiring specialized skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or electrical engineering, often with a bachelor's degree and relevant professional registration. Familiarity with CAD software, rail signaling systems, and project management tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety and regulatory standards. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help facilitate collaboration and effective project delivery. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and timely design and implementation of light rail systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Light Rail Engineers during the design and construction phases of a project?

Light Rail Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and integrating new systems within existing urban infrastructure. Managing tight project timelines and budgets while addressing unforeseen site conditions can also be demanding. Effective communication and collaboration with architects, city planners, and contractors are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful light rail projects.

What is the difference between Light Rail Engineer vs Tram Engineer?

AspectLight Rail EngineerTram Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in transit systemsEngineering degree, certifications in transit or rail systems
Work EnvironmentUrban transit systems, rail yards, maintenance facilitiesCity streets, tram lines, urban areas
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesMunicipal transit authorities, private tram operators
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Light Rail Engineers and Tram Engineers share similar roles in designing, maintaining, and improving urban transit systems. Both require engineering credentials and work within public transit environments. The main difference lies in their specific systems: Light Rail Engineers focus on larger, often modernized light rail networks, while Tram Engineers typically work on city street-level tram lines. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in urban transit engineering.

More about Light Rail Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Light Rail 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 $85,858 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer - Job ID 95927

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$39.06 - $57.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Summary

**Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division. 

The Department of Public Safety are seeking a Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer to support the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) divisions. This position will evaluate compliance with pipeline safety and rail fixed guideway public transportation laws, statutes, and regulations by supervising, providing training to engineers, and/or performing inspections, investigations, evaluations, and enforcement, and other communications under Minnesota Statute 299A.017, 299f.56 - .641, 299J, and 216D pursuant to the certification process through United States Code, title 49, chapter 601 sections 60101 through 60140 and any successor or supplemental requirements and the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.

This position will respond to requests from governing agencies, public and private organizations, and individuals to provide education, positive stakeholder relations, and other issues concerning pipelines/light rail, often with little or no supervision from headquarters. Serves as a senior technical staff member to coordinate and analyze existing and new inspection program plans and activities, such as annual inspection program plan, performance measures, operator qualifications, and integrity management, or other assigned projects. Develops specific policies and procedures necessary to coordinate the engineering activities of professional engineers and technical support staff and provides recommendations to the principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, and the Director.

This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact by leading vital safety oversight, mentor engineers, and protect the State of Minnesota's infrastructure and communities.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Engineering Experience including:

  • Knowledge of theoretical engineering and practical engineering experience.
  • Ability to evaluate conditions and conversations with person and organizations with diverse agendas, experience, education and goals, and remain capable of representing the positions of MNOPS with guidance from supervisor as required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to successfully obtain PTSCTP certificate from FTA and successful completion of PHMSA TQ.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Bachelor of Science degree and licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota.

  • Ability to drive a State-issued vehicle in compliance with all applicable laws and requirements. Must reside within Minnesota and 1 hour commute of St. Paul office.
  • Ability to travel overnight up to 30% as required to meet the needs of the division.
  • Participate in a weekly On-Call rotation for receiving after-hours emergency notifications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of rail fixed guideway transportation systems or heavy rail subject to the regulatory provisions 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter II or Chapter VI.
  • Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of natural gas pipelines or hazardous liquid pipelines subject to the regulatory provisions of 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter I, Subchapter D Pipeline Safety.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

Criminal history

Reference check

Driver's license check

Drug screen

SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Company Description

When you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.