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Light Rail Train Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Transportation

CA · On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health ... Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety ...

Department of Transportation

CA · On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health ... Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety ...

Transdev

Chief Estimator - Project Engineer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$136K - $169K/yr

... operating environment. * Must have knowledge of railroad work windows, track outages, AWW coordination, and maintenance-of-way operations. * Experience working on commuter rail, freight rail or light ...

Transdev

Chief Estimator - Project Engineer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$136K - $169K/yr

... operating environment. * Must have knowledge of railroad work windows, track outages, AWW coordination, and maintenance-of-way operations. * Experience working on commuter rail, freight rail or light ...

ConGlobal

Train Supervisor

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

The Railyard Train Supervisor will also provide direct oversight of the on-duty rail crew and ensure the execution of the daily operating plan. Additionally, you will coordinate railcar loading and ...

SYSTRA USA

Civil Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$114K - $139K/yr

We partner with public transportation owners and operators of bridges, buses, commuter and intercity, high-speed and light rail, mass rapid transit and tunnels, helping them provide safe, efficient ...

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All JobsLight Rail Train Operator JobsLight Rail Train Operator Jobs in California

Light Rail Train Operator information

See California salary details

$8

$27

$67

How much do light rail train operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail train operator in California is $27.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.18 and $33.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a light rail train operator?

Light Rail Train Operators are professionals responsible for driving and controlling light rail vehicles, ensuring passenger safety, and adhering to schedules and traffic regulations. They monitor train operations, communicate with dispatchers, respond to emergencies, and assist passengers as needed. Operators also perform basic inspections of their vehicles before and after trips to ensure they are functioning properly. This role requires strong attention to detail, customer service skills, and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a light rail train operator?

To thrive as a Light Rail Train Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong situational awareness, and a thorough understanding of transit regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes possession of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, adhering to schedules, and efficiently handling both routine and emergency situations.

What are the typical challenges faced by light rail train operators during their shifts and how are they addressed?

Light Rail Train Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules, ensuring passenger safety during peak hours, and responding to unexpected incidents like signal malfunctions or track obstructions. Operators must remain alert and calm under pressure, utilizing effective communication with dispatchers and emergency responders when necessary. Ongoing training and strong teamwork with maintenance crews and station staff help operators handle these situations efficiently, ensuring smooth and safe rail operations.

What is the difference between Light Rail Train Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectLight Rail Train OperatorBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), sometimes additional certifications for rail operationCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentOperate trains on fixed rail tracks, often in urban areasDrive buses on designated routes, often in city streets
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesPublic transit agencies, private bus companies
Job Search & ComparisonOften compared due to transit operation and licensing requirementsCommon alternative for transit operators

The Light Rail Train Operator and Bus Driver roles both require CDL licenses and involve operating vehicles in public transit settings. While train operators focus on rail systems within urban areas, bus drivers navigate city streets. Both roles are essential for public transportation and share similar credentials, but differ in work environment and vehicle operation specifics.

What are popular job titles related to Light Rail Train Operator jobs in California?

For Light Rail Train Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Light Rail Train Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Light Rail Train Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Light Rail Train Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Light Rail Train Operator job openings:

Light Rail Train Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Train Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,669 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Senior Transit Systems Project Manager

HDR

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is seeking a Senior Transit Project Manager to serve as the Los Angeles Systems Lead in the HDR LA office. The successful candidate will have experience and take responsibility for managing all transit system-related projects, leading planning and design teams and engaging clients in the Los Angeles area. Specific responsibilities include coordinating the planning and design of rail systems projects as well as managing the assembly of plans, specifications and design/construction estimate packages. Additionally, this individual will be viewed as a key party to serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR. This individual must be a technical expert, with recognized authority in multiple areas of transit and/or rail systems that resolve problems of broader scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or design activities which have significant impact on major company programs. The individual must also be able to plan, organize and supervise the work of medium-to-large staff of professionals and technicians. Experience leading teams within project management, design management and design build partnership arrangements is a must.
This position will be responsible for managing the design development of transit systems elements, ensuring seamless coordination with track, civil, and facilities disciplines, and supporting construction activities throughout project delivery. In addition, the role will actively participate in HDR's Los Angeles client development meetings, contributing to strategic planning and relationship-building efforts across Los Angeles.
Systems elements:
  • AC and DC Traction and Power Distribution Systems
  • Utility supply interface coordination
  • Train Control
  • Communications
  • SCADA
  • Corrosion Control
  • Fare Collection, passenger information and security systems

Transit projects additional roles:
A. Program Management Role
  • Cultivate client relations building internal strength in existing roles by showing depth in systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety critical elements of transit systems
  • Provide oversight of signaling as part of management team
  • Supplement operations analysis and planning studies with knowledge of systems

B. Lead Designer Role
  • Management of specialty subcontractors
  • Review submittals, perform QA/QC checks
  • Review partners/subcontractor estimates

C. Construction Management role
  • Practical knowledge of communications commissioning
  • Management and documentation of compliance from contractor
  • Integration of signals testing and entry into operations.

Other responsibilities:
  • Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project's lifecycle (from development & initiation to close-out)
  • Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, involving a large project staff
  • Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
  • Establish and maintain client relations, and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
  • Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders
  • Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule
  • Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed-to budget and schedule
  • Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews
  • Implement QA/QC procedures
  • Supervise large project staffs and act as mentor for less-experienced Project Managers
  • Perform other duties as needed.

#LI-JF1
Keywords: Senior Transit Systems Project Manager, Traction, Power Distribution Systems, train control, SCADA, railway system
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
  • Advanced degree preferred but not required
  • PE license preferred but not required
  • 10+ years of experience in railway systems
  • Solid experience with client development, commuter and freight rail, electrification systems for intercity, commuter systems, heavy rail, light rail, streetcar, and electrified bus operations
  • Experience with communications and train control, interface management and system integration design and implementation.
  • Experience with CADD tools and ability to complete designs individually
  • Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 10 years related experience
  • A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
  • Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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