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Principal Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Principal Project Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$125K - $225K/yr

Principal Project Engineer - Hydrology & Drainage - Transportation Infrastructure Our Parsons ... Our projects include new highway design, expansion, and rehabilitation, and rail andtransit ...

Gul Interstate

PRINCIPAL PIPELINE ENGINEER

Houston, TX · On-site

Principal Pipeline Engineer Location: Houston, TX Gulf Companies has served the global energy ... API 1102 Calculations for Highway Crossing and Railroad Crossing; HDD design calculations; Roping ...

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Principal Rail Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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
What job categories do people searching Principal Rail Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Rail Engineer jobs are:
Principal Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Rail Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 76% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design

Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design

Canadian National Railway Company

Pontiac, MI

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Canadian National Railway rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 358 rated logistics

Job description

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design is responsible for Signal Design and is in charge of modifying existing or designing new signal circuits for railway Centralized Traffic Control (CTC). The role is accountable for all aspects of safe and effective design of circuits, hardware and software for highway crossing and wayside signalling projects with focus specifically on the crossing infrastructure design, estimating and material logistics. Furthermore, the role understands and applies all government standards and regulations per published documents and to meet location-specific requirements. 

Main Responsibilities Project Design and Estimating 

       Perform the role of primary engineer for signal design projects, including handling and controlling project budgets, schedules, and quality

       Perform the role of principal design checker for in-house and contractor circuit design

       Develop overall design concepts for projects and monitor progress of signal design contractors

       Coordinate with wiring vendors with work order requests for Signals and Communication (S&C) projects

       Work with the S&C material coordinators to ensure approved work orders are converted to Purchase Orders (POs) as well as all other supporting crossing material is being processed and ordered as required

Field and Technical Support 

       Provide field and technical support to install and maintain crossing warning systems functions within the railway

       Act as a technical resource for other department personnel in the area of signal design for installation and construction functions within the railway

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday with intermittent periods of overtime. The role is partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and manage stress. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within the assigned territory.

Requirements Experience

       Between 3 to 5 years of experience in the following areas:

o   Designing or testing signal circuits for CTC, interlocking and highway-railway grade cross warning system locations as well as estimating signal design projects

o   Scheduling and reviewing projects to ensure they meet government regulations, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) and CN's S&C standards

o   Programming logic controllers using Boolean or Ladder logic

o   Computer aided drafting software (CAD) and Bentley MicroStation CONNECT Edition and Microsoft Project

Education/Certification/Designation

       Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Systems Engineering or Engineering Technology

Competencies

       Communicates with impact

       Applies critical thinking

       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

       Demonstrates agility and drives change

       Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action

       Identifies potential safety and security risks

       Collaborates with others and shares information

Technical Skills/Knowledge

       Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

       Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) or Transport Canada (TC) standards, rules, and regulations

       Knowledge of AREMA railway standards and recommendations

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