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Light Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

VHB

Transit and Rail High School Intern

Boston, MA · On-site

$19/hr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's Civil Engineering Internship is designed to introduce students ... heavy rail, light rail, intercity/high-speed rail, freight rail, bus rapid transit, bus, and ...

Wescom Solutions Careers

OCS Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Design OCS layout, wire tensions, for light rail, commuter rail and streetcar with pantograph as ... Support System Engineering and Assurance efforts such as Requirements Management, Verification ...

VHB

Transit and Rail High School Intern

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$19/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's Civil Engineering Internship is designed to introduce students into the ... heavy rail, light rail, intercity/high-speed rail, freight rail, bus rapid transit, bus, and ...

VHB

Transit and Rail High School Intern

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$19/hr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's Civil Engineering Internship is designed to introduce students ... heavy rail, light rail, intercity/high-speed rail, freight rail, bus rapid transit, bus, and ...

VHB

Transit and Rail High School Intern

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$19/hr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's Civil Engineering Internship is designed to introduce students ... heavy rail, light rail, intercity/high-speed rail, freight rail, bus rapid transit, bus, and ...

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Light Rail Engineer information

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How much do light rail engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 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?

In the field of engineering, senior-level roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These high salaries typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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.

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 specific responsibilities. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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.

How much does CSX pay engineers?

CSX pays engineers, including those working as Light Rail Engineers or similar roles, with salaries typically ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for overtime or shift work.

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.

Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

Light Rail Engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Reaching a $300,000 salary usually requires senior-level positions, extensive experience, specialized skills, or management roles within the transportation or engineering sectors.

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:
Light Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,858 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer

Zephyr Rail

Orange, CA • On-site

$140/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Zephyr Rail
Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned Zweig Group's recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for three consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.
Job Summary
As a Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer, you will be key to our design team, leading drainage design, water resources engineering, and hydraulic modeling for complex rail projects, especially for Class I railroads, commuter rail, and transit authorities. You'll create engineering solutions, prepare technical reports, support permitting, and collaborate across teams. Your duties include technical analyses, developing drainage solutions, producing detailed reports, designing stormwater systems, and ensuring project compliance with regulations.
Responsibilities
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HY-8, and CivilStorm.
  • Design stormwater systems, culverts, channel improvements, and erosion control measures for rail infrastructure.
  • Conduct floodplain assessments and support FEMA submittals and USACE Section 404 permit applications.
  • Prepare drainage reports, technical memoranda, and plan sets in coordination with project teams.
  • Support QA/QC efforts and mentor junior staff as needed.
  • Interface with clients, Class I railroads, public agencies, and municipalities.

Representative Projects at Zephyr Rail
  • Hydraulic modeling and culvert design supporting LA Metro, Metrolink (SCRRA), CSX, UPRR, and BNSF corridor improvements.
  • Floodplain mitigation for new rail bridge construction in FEMA-regulated areas.
  • Stormwater management design for rail siding extensions, yard capacity improvements, and Quiet Zone projects.
  • Drainage and hydraulic analysis for at-grade crossing upgrades.
  • Emergency drainage assessments related to failed culverts, scour concerns, and storm damage.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering (or a related field).
  • A minimum of 5 years of H&H experience, with at least 7 years in Class I railroads (such as UPRR, BNSF, NS, and CSX), commuter rail, or light rail transit projects.
  • A California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is mandatory, and having a California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
  • Proficiency with H&H modeling tools and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
  • Working knowledge of railroad drainage standards, FEMA guidelines, and relevant permitting processes.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Base Salary - $140, 000 - $200,000 DOE.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - 100% employer-paid for employees; 50% for dependents.
  • Retirement - 401K with employer match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Time

How to Apply
We're excited to hear from you! Feel free to apply directly on our careers page or learn more about the opportunities at www.zuirail.com/current-openings/ . If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, don't hesitate to send your resume to [email protected]. We would be pleased to consider you as a potential new member of our passionate team!
At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Note to Recruiters and Job Placement Agencies
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from recruiters or agencies. We will consider any unsolicited resumes we receive as our property and will process them accordingly. We will only consider direct applicants.
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