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Light Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valley Metro, AZ

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 ...

Lochner

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

Parsons

Sr. Systems Engineering Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

Valley Metro

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$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 ...

STV Incorporated

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an early- to mid-career engineer who is passionate about rail ... Support the design and development of Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) for light rail, commuter rail ...

STV

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR

$79K - $102K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an early- to mid-career engineer who is passionate about rail ... Support the design and development of Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) for light rail, commuter rail ...

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How much do light rail engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

How much do light rail engineers get paid?

Light rail engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of projects and the employer, with some positions offering additional benefits such as overtime pay and professional development opportunities.
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Light Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,858 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Senior Traffic Engineer

Valley Metro, AZ

Phoenix, AZ • On-site, Remote

$100K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Salary: $100,736.95 - $151,105.42 Annually
Location : Valley Metro Administrative Offices 101 N 1st Ave Suite 1300 Phoenix AZ 85003, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: PR04891-1
Division: Capital Development
Department: Design and Construction
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
Summary
Purpose of Role:
Serves as a senior technical resource for the operation, coordination, and optimization of traffic signal systems supporting light rail and roadway networks. Ensures safe and efficient transportation operations through signal timing strategies, system integration, ITS technologies, technical review, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and five (5) years of experience in:
  • Traffic signal systems, transit signal priority (TSP), and coordination between transit and roadway operations
  • Traffic engineering or signal-related work in the public sector
  • Proficiency with VISSIM, INRIX, and other signal- and traffic-related programs,
  • Experienced in reading and developing phasing diagrams, sequence charts, time/space diagrams, signal timing and coordination, signal design, signal and controller programming, and intersection management. The ability to read a signal cabinet wiring diagram is highly desirable
  • Consultant coordination, quality assurance management, and technical review
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.
  • Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the selection process
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
  • Valid Arizona Driver's License with an acceptable driving record upon hire.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License valid in AZ, or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire date, is preferred
  • PTOE license is highly desirable

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills
The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.
  • Lead the coordination of traffic signal operations across Valley Metro departments and with external agencies. Provide technical guidance on signal system design and operations; review consultant deliverables and technical recommendations; collaborate with internal teams, city traffic departments, and other stakeholders to evaluate and mitigate operational impacts.
  • Conduct technical analysis and review of plans for new traffic signal installations, including integration with transit (eg. light rail, streetcar, bus-rapid transit (BRT) systems. Review and optimize signal timing plans to improve traffic flow and LRT travel times. Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to prevent conflicts and maintain safety.
  • Model, validate, and evaluate proposed signal timing and coordination improvements using signal controller equipment and signal testing tools; verify system functionality and operational readiness prior to field implementation to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Serve as technical resource for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, including adaptive signal control, vehicle detection, and transit signal priority systems. Evaluates emerging technologies and provides recommendations regarding their application to improve traffic management, transit reliability, and overall system performance.
  • Model, validate, and evaluate proposed signal timing and coordination improvements using signal controller equipment and signal testing tools; verify system functionality and operational readiness prior to field implementation to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Develop technical reports, presentations, specifications, and recommendations to support signal system planning, design, and operations while ensuring compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and agency requirements.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge of:
  • ITS technologies, components, and vehicle detection methods
  • Traffic signal operations, logic, timing, and coordination and programming principles
  • Agency operations and transit operations priorities
  • National, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and legal requirements related to public transportation, light rail, streetcar, BRT, and signal operations
  • Technical documentation, specifications development, and plan review processes
  • Advanced awareness of consultant management and quality assurance procedures
  • Stakeholder engagement, liaison, and escalation resolution techniques

Skill in:
  • Preparing technical reports, specifications, and recommendations related to traffic signal timing and coordination.
  • Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Preparing, reviewing, and overseeing the technical documentation approval process
  • Coordinating consultant deliverables and supporting quality assurance activities
  • Developing written communications, including Board reports, technical reports, scopes of work, project management plans, inter-agency agreements, and meeting summaries.
  • Representing Valley Metro with civic groups, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and the public, including preparing and delivering presentations.
  • Managing multiple priorities through effective time management, organization, and project coordination.

Physical Demands / Work Environment
Work is performed in a typical office setting with routine use of standard office equipment. This role is sedentary, requiring the physical exertion of up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
This role typically requires sitting, handling, fine dexterity, visual acuity, hearing, speaking, walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, twisting, foot controls, time pressure, tedious or exacting work, changing of tasks, multi-tasking, irregular work schedule/overtime, and working with others on a team.
Valley Metro is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Health Care Benefits
Effective on the first of the month following date of hire, benefited employees will be eligible for health coverage.
• Medical/Vision/Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
Retirement Plans
• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Optional)
Holiday Pay
• Paid Holidays
Optional/Additional Benefits
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance
• Free Employee Bus/Light Rail Card
01
Do you currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification?
  • Arizona PE
  • PE in another state (eligible for Arizona reciprocity)
  • Able to obtain an Arizona PE within six months
  • PTOE certification
  • None of the above

02
Describe your experience designing, programming, and optimizing traffic signal systems.Please include the types of signal controllers, coordination strategies, transit signal priority (TSP), adaptive signal control, or ITS technologies you have worked with, and your specific role.
03
What traffic engineering software and modeling tools are you proficient in?
04
Tell us about a project where you coordinated traffic signal operations with multiple stakeholders.
05
Describe your experience reviewing and approving traffic signal plans and consultant deliverables.
Required Question

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