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Light Rail Transit Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Senior Transit Engineer - Project Manager

Raleigh, NC

$96K - $125K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of transit infrastructure in the region while working on high-profile projects including light rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), commuter rail, and ...

AECOM

Senior Transit Engineer - Project Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of transit infrastructure in the region while working on high-profile projects including light rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), commuter rail, and ...

All JobsLight Rail Transit JobsLight Rail Transit Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Light Rail Transit information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$20

$24

$29

How much do light rail transit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail transit in Raleigh, NC is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.37 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are light rail transit operators?

Light rail transit operators are professionals responsible for driving and managing light rail vehicles, which are trains that typically run on urban tracks and provide public transportation within cities. They ensure the safe and timely operation of the trains, assist passengers, monitor equipment, and respond to emergencies or disruptions. Operators follow strict schedules, adhere to safety protocols, and may also handle basic troubleshooting of the vehicle. Their role is crucial in providing efficient and reliable transit services to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Transit Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Transit Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to safety, and knowledge of transit regulations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are typically required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and customer service skills help operators manage passengers and respond to unexpected situations. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of light rail services for the public.

What are the highest paying transit jobs?

In light rail transit, the highest paying jobs typically include transit managers, operations directors, and maintenance supervisors, often earning salaries above $80,000 annually. These roles require leadership skills, industry experience, and sometimes specialized certifications, with pay varying based on location and organization size.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the context of light rail transit, most roles such as train operators or maintenance workers typically do not pay $4,000 weekly without relevant experience or certifications. High-paying jobs in this field usually require specialized training, licenses, or union membership, and salaries vary based on location and seniority. Generally, earning $4,000 a week without a degree is uncommon in transit roles but may be possible in related fields like transportation management or consulting with extensive experience.

How much do TriMet employees make?

TriMet employees, including light rail operators and maintenance staff, typically earn hourly wages ranging from approximately $20 to $35, depending on experience, role, and seniority. Salaries for full-time positions can range from around $40,000 to over $70,000 annually, with benefits and union agreements influencing compensation. Compensation may also include overtime, shift differentials, and additional perks based on the position and tenure.

What are some common challenges Light Rail Transit Operators face during their shifts?

Light Rail Transit Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. They must remain alert to monitor track conditions, signals, and unexpected obstacles, especially during inclement weather or heavy traffic times. Additionally, operators frequently communicate with dispatchers and respond to passenger inquiries or incidents, requiring strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Balancing these responsibilities in a fast-paced, public-facing environment is a key aspect of the role.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of Light Rail Transit, high-level executive roles such as transit agency CEOs or chief operating officers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $1 million annually, especially with bonuses and incentives. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large transportation systems and budgets.

What is the difference between Light Rail Transit vs Bus Driver?

AspectLight Rail TransitBus Driver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL or transit-specific trainingHigh school diploma, CDL license
Work EnvironmentRail stations, tracks, transit vehiclesOn-road, various routes, street-level driving
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesPublic/private transit companies, school districts
Common Search/ComparisonPublic transit roles, rail operationsPublic transit driving jobs, bus operation

Light Rail Transit and Bus Driver roles both serve public transportation needs but differ mainly in work environment and vehicle type. Light Rail Transit involves operating rail vehicles on fixed tracks, often requiring specialized training, while Bus Drivers operate on streets and require a CDL license. Both roles are essential in transit systems and share similar credentials, but their work settings and vehicle types distinguish them.

What job categories do people searching Light Rail Transit jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Transit jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Light Rail Transit jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Light Rail Transit job openings:
Light Rail Transit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Transit job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,836 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Senior Transit Engineer - Project Manager

Senior Transit Engineer - Project Manager

AECOM

Raleigh, NC

$96K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

AECOM rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 79 rated construction

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transportation/Transit Engineer – Project Manager to be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, or Nashville Tennessee

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Transit Engineer – Project Manager is a senior-level position responsible for supporting the engineering team in the Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina Region. This individual will oversee the delivery of multi-disciplinary transit engineering projects, serve as technical lead and project manager, and drive business development efforts across the region. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of transit infrastructure in the region while working on high-profile projects including light rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), commuter rail, and multimodal corridors throughout the country. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative spirit to support the growth of AECOM’s Transit-Rail practice.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as Project Manager and Technical Lead on complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-modal transportation projects.
  • Oversee the planning, design, and delivery of multimodal/transit infrastructure including streetcars, LRT, BRT, commuter rail, and related facilities.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
  • Provide quality assurance and ensure compliance with applicable standards, codes, and client requirements.
  • Support the development of engineering budgets, schedules, and resource plans.
  • Will write scope and estimate projects
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other Transit market Sectors
  • Mentor and support the professional development of engineering staff across disciplines.
  • Represent AECOM at industry events, client meetings, and public forums as a subject matter expert in transit engineering.
  • Supporting business development efforts for all engineering disciplines in the region, including client engagement, proposal development, and pursuit strategy.
  • Participate in client pre-positioning efforts, including attending industry events, supporting capture planning, and contributing to client engagement strategies.
  • Assist in identifying new opportunities and supporting go/no-go decisions through market research and client intelligence.
    Qualifications

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

    • BA/BS in Engineering discipline + 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
    • Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng.) license required

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Experience with transit infrastructure design, including LRT, BRT, and/or commuter rail.
    • Familiarity with transit agencies within the southeast and regional transportation priorities.
    • Experience in engineering project delivery, including design and construction phases.
    • Strong understanding of engineering standards, permitting, and regulatory processes.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proven experience supporting multi-disciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects.
    • Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship skills.

    Additional Information

    Additional Information

    • Sponsorship is not available for this role at this time.
    • May have to travel depending on project needs.
    • Relocation assistance may be available for this position.

    At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

    About AECOM 

    AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

    AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

    What makes AECOM a great place to work 

    You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

    As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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