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Light Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$100K - $151K/yr

Traffic engineering or signal-related work in the public sector * Proficiency with VISSIM, INRIX ... Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to ...

Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail environment including investigations of equipment malfunctions, modifications and reporting findings. * Develop technical ...

Structures - Rail Project Engineer

East Hartford, CT · On-site +1

$78K - $105K/yr

Experience with commuter rail, light rail, or freight rail projects * Familiarity with CTDOT or regional transportation agency standards * Experience working in consulting engineering environments

Rail Transit Program Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$233K - $259K/yr

... involving light rail transit, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, and intercity passenger rail ... Bachelor's degree in engineering and twenty (20) years of satisfactory, full-time related ...

In this position, you will be the technical lead for major Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter rail, and conventional train control projects, serving as the Systems Engineering Lead, Systems ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$100K - $151K/yr

Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to ... programming principles Agency operations and transit operations priorities National, state, and ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,858 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Rail Signal & Communications Technician

Rail Signal & Communications Technician

King County

Seattle, WA

$87K - $124K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has exciting opportunities for Signal and Communications Technicians. These positions will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as motorized switch machines, vital relays, microprocessor controlled interlockings, programmable logic controllers, fiber optic links, failsafe railroad crossing equipment, stand-alone computers and power supplies. About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region.

Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system plays a central role in expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go. Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide.

This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day. Who May Apply This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external and will be used to fill current Career Service vacancies and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies in this classification and within this division over the next twelve months.

These positions are considered safety sensitive. Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols. Work Schedule These positions are non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible.

Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule. The work schedules include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays. Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system and includes a mix of shift types, including 5x8 and 4x10 shifts.

Per the union contract shift differentials are paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay. Per the union contract the current hourly rates are: Day Shift: $41.94-$59.91 Swing/2nd Shift: $44.04-$62.91 Graveyard/3rd Shift: $45.09-$64.40 Work Location Employees may report to any of the following locations: Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central: 3407 Airport Way S Seattle WA 98134, OMF East: 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005, or Maintenance of Way (MOW) North: 920 North 137th ST Seattle WA 98133

Other locations in King County may become available in the future. Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

You will: Conduct fault diagnosis; inspect, test, modify, maintain and repair ail way signal and communications equipment Inspect, repair and maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossing mechanisms, switch machines, multiplexers, microprocessor controlled interlockings, vital relays, power supplies, battery systems, audio systems, and other complex machinery and equipment Operate common and specialized tools and equipment such as mechanical lift devices, hand tools, and electronic measurement devices Access aerial support structures and poles to perform inspections, maintenance and repair tasks Determine work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision; respond to emergency calls as necessary Operate switch machines by hand and by Local Control Panels under revenue and non-revenue conditions Plan, schedule, communicate and coordinate activities and work with other trades and sections; assist other trades as necessary Operate assigned vehicles, including Hi-Rail and Aerial Lift equipment Perform snow and ice removal Flag trackway to provide safer ail work zones; set up work zone traffic control areas Record and document maintenance and diagnostic data Other duties as assigned Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Minimum Qualifications Two years performing Journey level work in railway signaling and communications and documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent). Additional Qualifications include: Journey level knowledge of the fundamentals of railway signaling and communications Knowledge in analyzing and evaluating malfunctions in electrical and electronic equipment and determining repair requirements; skill in performing electronic fabrication and assembly tasks, such as soldering and wire harnessing; skill in problem solving, analyzing, diagnosing and evaluating equipment problems Knowledge of and skill in industrial safety techniques, including safety techniques while working at railway crossings with train and automobile traffic Knowledge of and skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical and hydraulic equipment Willingness and ability to apply King County's core values around inclusion, equity and social justice as a team member and representative of King County to the public Skill in the application of customer service techniques and principles when dealing with customers in a tactful and diplomatic manner Skill in oral and written communications, including reading, writing and following instructions Skill in preparing written reports, inspection forms for documenting defects and repairs of work orders in designated computer programs; skill in preparing time and material cost estimates; keep accurate records Skill in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and safety inspection procedures Skill in working under established deadlines and time frames Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals Necessary Special Requirements Ability to obtain Hi-Rail, Forklift, Aerial Lift, Bucket Truck, First-Aid, and/or CPR certifications (we train) A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire Supplemental Information Working Environment Work indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather.

Work in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles, and in a high voltage environment to perform inspections. Position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and supplies and may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work. Application Process To apply for this position, you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following: An online King County application.

NOTE: Please include each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (if you have ten years of employment history), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc. Earlier jobs should be included here if they are relevant in some way to this job and if they relate to our minimum qualifications and MUST be included in the employment application if cited in an answer to a Supplemental Question. Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety.

Attach documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent). Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible. We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County, Washington Need Assistance.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor at malansi@kingcounty.gov Selection Process Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Applications that are not complete may be rejected and not advanced in the process. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview

Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully passed a physical examination, drug and alcohol check, reference check, and a driver's abstract review. Union Membership: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587 Class Code: 8311200 - Rail Signals and Communication Technician #RailJobs #TradesJobs Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.

Are you ready to make a difference. Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.


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About King County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1852

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