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Project Engineer Rail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines ... Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be ...

Project Engineer, Transit

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $187K/yr

Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and ... High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Metrolink, and others. You will collaborate with ...

Wilson & Company is seeking a Rail Engineer with experience in freight rail, rail track, terminal ... This role will support rail projects from planning and feasibility through final design and ...

$102K - $136K/yr

... structural engineering work for a global business unit, a project or staff group to include the ... rail, and related facilities. * Strong capability in developing, reviewing, and approving complex ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Collect and analyze data relevant to rail projects. * Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers and project managers, to ensure seamless project execution and ...

Experience with railroad construction means and methods, including track installation, turnouts ... Collaborate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to gather pricing ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Collect and analyze data relevant to rail projects. * Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers and project managers, to ensure seamless project execution and ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Engineer Rail information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$89.5K

$134.2K

How much do project engineer rail jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer rail in California is $89,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project engineer rail?

Project Engineers in Rail are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering aspects of rail infrastructure projects. They manage the technical aspects of rail construction, maintenance, or upgrade projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Their duties often include project scheduling, budget management, stakeholder coordination, and problem-solving to keep projects on track. Project Engineers in Rail work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, contractors, and government authorities. Their expertise is vital for the successful delivery of rail projects, from initial design through to completion.

How does a project engineer rail typically collaborate with other departments during a rail infrastructure project?

A Project Engineer Rail works closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design, construction, safety, and procurement departments. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to coordinate project schedules, resolve technical challenges, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Project Engineers also liaise with external stakeholders such as contractors and government agencies, making effective communication and teamwork essential for keeping projects on track. This collaborative approach helps ensure that rail infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Rail vs Civil Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer RailCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with rail-specific certificationsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentRail construction sites, transit agencies, infrastructure projectsBridges, roads, buildings, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryRail companies, transit authorities, infrastructure contractorsConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Project Engineer Rail and Civil Engineer roles share similarities in credentials and work environments, especially in infrastructure projects. However, Project Engineer Rail specializes in rail-specific projects like transit systems and track construction, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including roads, bridges, and general infrastructure. Both roles are vital in their respective sectors and often collaborate on large-scale projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer rail?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Rail, you need a solid background in civil or electrical engineering, experience with rail infrastructure, and typically a relevant engineering degree or professional certification. Familiarity with project management software (such as Primavera P6 or MS Project), CAD tools, and rail industry standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget while complying with industry regulations.
What job categories do people searching Project Engineer Rail jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Engineer Rail jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Rail job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,457 per year, or $43 per hour.

Rail Bridge Engineer

GFT.

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in one of the following SoCAL offices: Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Diego, CA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these offices.
Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel highway bridges to commuter, freight, or high-speed rail bridges. You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines and transit agencies such as Merchant Bridge Replacement and Retrofit.
What you'll be challenged to do:
You will participate in complex design tasks for rail bridge projects. This role includes elements of structural design, rehabilitation, and inspection of bridges and other structures along with the preparation of load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates. You will leverage your technical capabilities and excellent verbal and written communication skills, to effectively work with a team across multiple disciplinary projects. You will travel for project related work, with a willingness to work in the field conducting bridge inspections.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Perform structural bridge analysis and design utilizing current AREMA and owners' design standards. Calculate structural quantities.
  • Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges.
  • Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation, thoroughness, and follow-through; with conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards
  • Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Perform detailed checking of calculations and design drawings produced by others.
  • Assist with CADD drawing development and production.
  • Document and organize design calculations following GFT's Quality Management Plan.
  • Interpret changes in the contract and advises management on needed changes.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • A minimum of 4 years' professional experience with an emphasis on structural design for Class I and transit bridge projects.
  • Engineer-in-Training E.I.T. License
  • Structures design experience utilizing AREMA Manual for Railroad Engineering.
  • Familiarity with Class I railroad bridge standards.
  • Structural engineering background, knowledge of MicroStation and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
  • Team oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
  • Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), and experience with engineering design packages and structural analysis software systems such as LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, GROUP, RISA or CSiBridge.
  • Willingness to travel within the continental United States.
  • Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
  • Valid Driver's License.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Structural Engineer (S.E.) preferred.
  • Master's degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • AREMA member and Committee 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15 member.
  • Experience working directly with Class I railroads.

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $108,000 - $150,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
โ€ข Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
โ€ข Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
โ€ข Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
โ€ข Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
โ€ข Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
โ€ข Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
โ€ข Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Livesโ„ข is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Santa Ana, CA; Irvine, CA; Los Angeles, CA Oor San Diego, CA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $147,000 - $180,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
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