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Light Rail Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Gohrt

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$34.50/hr

Responsible for high operating and safety performance of light rail vehicles. * Ability to quickly troubleshoot, repair and program carborne and localized programmable logic controllers, network ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Transit

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... light rail, and bus rapid transit projects. * Various tasks may include concept through final ... Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months) * 6+ years of ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Transit

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... light rail, and bus rapid transit projects. * Various tasks may include concept through final ... Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months) * 6+ years of ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Transit

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... light rail, and bus rapid transit projects. * Various tasks may include concept through final ... Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months) * 6+ years of ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Transit

Richmond, VA

$100K - $130K/yr

... light rail, and bus rapid transit projects. * Various tasks may include concept through final ... Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months) * 6+ years of ...

STV

Senior Engineering Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$116K - $133K/yr

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and ... Light Rail, Commuter Rail, Heavy Rail/Subway, and Bus Operations * Strong working knowledge of:

Herzog

Civil Superintendent

Springfield, VA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Construction Management/Civil Engineering degree preferred. * Minimum 8 years in civil construction ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Herzog

Civil Superintendent

Springfield, VA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Construction Management/Civil Engineering degree preferred. * Minimum 8 years in civil construction ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

2nd Shift Janitor

Damascus, VA · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

... tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on ... engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for ...

Gohrt

Construction Projects Coordinator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

... Engineering and Facilities Officer, as needed, for all LRT projects and other projects as required. * Serves as a liaison between City and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) for light rail project, and ...

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Light Rail Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$40

$71

How much do light rail engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail engineer in Virginia is $40.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.98 and $57.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a light rail engineer?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Light Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Light Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Light Rail Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Light Rail Engineer job openings:
Light Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,499 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Office Engineer - Rail

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 446 rated engineering

Job description


Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.
What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker is adding an Office Engineer to our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, VA! In this role, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects by applying your professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities, and you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Rail design teams, construction staff, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to help deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality rail projects across all phases of project delivery.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces
  • Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates
  • Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout design and construction phases
  • Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements
  • Apply railroad and transit standards, including AREMA, FRA, and client-specific guidelines, during project execution
  • Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts
  • Respond to RFIs and provide engineering support during construction
  • Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third-party stakeholders
  • Help ensure that designs and construction support activities meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Maintain organized and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

What You Need to Succeed:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
  • A minimum of 6 years professional civil engineering experience supporting rail infrastructure initiatives and projects (preferably for freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems)
  • Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation
  • A strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods
  • Excellent communication, coordination, problem-solving and client-facing skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $84,000-$110,000 per year. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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