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Principal Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

The Principal Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for software systems across New ... Experience in railroad, locomotive, or off-highway product development (preferred) * Applied ...

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Principal Rail Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal rail engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Rail Engineer vs Senior Rail Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Rail EngineerSenior Rail Engineer
QualificationsTypically requires a degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering; Chartered status often preferredRequires relevant engineering degree; Chartered status advantageous but less common
Work EnvironmentLeads large projects, oversees teams, and liaises with stakeholdersExecutes technical tasks, supports project delivery, and mentors junior staff
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, project management, and technical leadershipDesign, analysis, and technical problem-solving within projects

The main difference between a Principal Rail Engineer and a Senior Rail Engineer lies in their scope of responsibility. The Principal Rail Engineer typically holds a leadership role, managing large projects and teams, while the Senior Rail Engineer focuses on technical execution and supporting project delivery. Both roles require relevant engineering qualifications and industry experience, but the Principal position involves more strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Rail Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Rail Engineer, you need extensive experience in rail infrastructure design, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often chartered status (CEng or equivalent). Mastery of industry-specific software such as Bentley Rail Track, AutoCAD, and BIM systems, as well as knowledge of rail standards and safety regulations, is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient delivery of complex rail projects and uphold industry standards.

What are Principal Rail Engineers?

Principal Rail Engineers are senior professionals who lead the design, planning, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects. They oversee teams of engineers, provide technical guidance, and ensure that projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include project management, stakeholder coordination, risk assessment, and mentoring junior staff. Principal Rail Engineers typically have extensive experience in civil or rail engineering and play a key role in the successful completion of rail projects.

What are the main challenges a Principal Rail Engineer typically faces when leading multidisciplinary rail projects?

Principal Rail Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple engineering disciplines, balancing project timelines with regulatory compliance, and managing stakeholder expectations. They must effectively oversee design, construction, and safety standards while ensuring that all technical requirements are met. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as they frequently collaborate with project managers, contractors, and public agencies to deliver complex rail infrastructure projects on time and within budget.
More about Principal Rail Engineer jobs
PRINCIPAL PIPELINE ENGINEER

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Title: Principal Pipeline Engineer

Location: Houston, TX


Gulf Companies has served the global energy industry since 1953 by supporting the complete project lifecycle and developing valued business partnerships to ensure the success of the project. Our worldwide experience and multi-disciplined capabilities encompass all aspects of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management, Field Inspection, GIS Integrity, Staffing Services and more.


Position Description

The Principal Pipeline Engineer handles medium, large and complex projects. He/she has wide latitude of technical authority with full work responsibilities, as well as limited administrative responsibilities, over a group of Pipeline Engineers and Designers. He/she may assign and review work of lower-level personnel. He/she may also function as the Lead Pipeline Engineer, responsible for all discipline technical and scheduling matters pertaining to the assigned project. Work is periodically reviewed by the Chief Pipeline Engineer for accomplishment of objectives.


Essential Functions

  • Function as the Lead Pipeline Engineer on smaller to mid-size projects.
  • Responsible for oversight of pipeline related engineering work products (calculations, design, specifications, etc.).
  • Good understanding of oil and gas pipeline design practices, project planning and cost control requirements and procurement procedures.
  • Experience with performing detailed design of Gas or Liquids pipelines; with both is preferred.
  • Provide technical leadership to lower-level engineers.
  • Prepare engineering training materials.
  • Function as interface between engineering teams, management and clients.
  • Ensure that all engineering work is done in accordance with applicable regulations and codes as well as Gulf procedures.
  • Independently prepares or reviews discipline projects specifications.
  • Reviews the discipline scope of work to be executed to ensure it matches project specification and/or the proposal documents as appropriate.
  • Provide quality control checks on pipeline engineering documents.
  • Independently perform Routing, ROW and Workspace selection; studies on construction techniques and economic feasibility studies. Coordinate with field and third party (Environmental or Geotechnical or Survey) personnel.
  • Familiar with permitting requirements for pipeline design and construction.


ADDENDUM: PIPELINE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONSPipeline Engineering is a highly specialized group whose function is to provide design-engineering service covering:
  • Pipeline Equipment and Piping System Design - Develop the optimum system based upon desired performance, space constraints, reliability, maintainability, flexibility and cost.
  • Calculations: Wall Thickness Calculations; API 1102 Calculations for Highway Crossing and Railroad Crossing; HDD design calculations; Roping Calculations or Minimum Bending Radius; Wheel Load Calculation; Hydrotest; Buoyancy Calculation; Reinforcement Calculation; Maximum Allowable Span Length; Field Bending
  • Studies/Plans: Hydrotest Plan; Class Location study; HCA study; Stress Analysis, HDD Design
  • Site Layouts and Plot Plans; Access Roads; Storage Yards - Determine location, size and arrangement of major Pipeline equipment - Launcher, Receivers, MLVs; access roads, storage yards
  • Typical Tasks - Routing; ROW Selection (Perm and Temp); Workspace Selection; FERC Filing Process; Class Location Study; MLV Spacing for Gas Pipelines; MLV Spacing for Liquid Pipelines; MLV Location for Gas/Liquid; MLV Design; Launcher/Receiver Design; Material Requisitions; Water Sources Selection; Alignment Sheets Review; HCA Study- Gas; Flood Maps; Crossings Design; Hazard Area Crossing Mitigations (Faults and Mining); Road Crossing Permits; Waterbody Crossing Permits; Plats
  • Standards Specifications - Responsible for technical content of standards and preparation of specification including:

- Line Specification

- Launcher/Receiver Barrel Specification

- 3R Ells Specification

- High Yield Fittings Specification

- Internal Coating Specification

- External Coating Specification


  • Construction Drawings -

- Launcher/Receiver Drawings

- Alignment Sheets

- Permit Drawings - Road, Railroad

- Permit Drawings - Wetland and Waterbody

- Plats

- Hydrotest plan drawings

- HDD design drawings


#LI-RG1

Requirements

Qualifications

Typically 8+ years' experience in pipeline engineering, pipeline operations, or pipeline construction.

Familiar with all relevant codes and regulations.

Knowledge of computer systems in an engineering environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Education

BS in Engineering

PE Certification preferred


Competencies

Results oriented

Customer focused

Focused on accuracy and quality of work


Work Environment/Physical Demands

Working conditions are normal for an office environment.

Frequent sitting and operating a computer.

Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or office materials.

Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.

Physical demands requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.



Gulf is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.