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Rail Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Rail Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

JAVA Architect

Fort Worth, TX

$60.50 - $81.50/hr

Company Description Railways system company. Significant previous work writing to network-based APIs, preferably REST/JSON, XML/SOAP. Extensive experience in Architecture implementation Solid ...

Architect

$155K - $216K/yr

As an Architect at Onit, you will define and drive the technical architecture strategy for the ... The current tech stack includes Ruby on Rails, React, JavaScript and PostgreSQL. We deploy to AWS.

Embedded Solution Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K/yr

Our expertise serves various technological sectors such as the aerospace, defense, rail, and energy ... Are you an experienced Embedded Solution Architect? If your answer is yes, it's your lucky day as ...

Embedded Solution Architect

Detroit, MI · On-site

$171K/yr

Our expertise serves various technological sectors such as the aerospace, defense, rail, and energy ... Are you an experienced Embedded Solution Architect? If your answer is yes, it's your lucky day as ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$100K - $138K/yr

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

$96K - $133K/yr

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

Network Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$67 - $89.75/hr

... on Rails • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies • Familiarity with Agile development methodologies • Strong experience supporting enterprise-scale architecture ...

Intermediate Architect

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Grimshaw is a global architecture and design studio of ideas and invention, driven by a desire to ... Experience in transportation (rail, metro, aviation, intermodal, TOD), workspace, higher education ...

JAVA Architect

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$60.50 - $81.50/hr

Company Description Railways system company. • Significant previous work writing to network-based APIs, preferably REST/JSON, XML/SOAP. • Extensive experience in Architecture implementation • ...

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Rail Architect information

See salary details

$23.5K

$98.1K

$194K

How much do rail architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail architect in the United States is $98,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is the highest paid architect?

Senior architects, especially those with specialized skills in infrastructure or transportation design like rail systems, tend to be the highest paid within the architecture field. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, with top earners often working in large firms or on major projects and holding advanced certifications. Rail architects involved in large-scale transportation projects may earn higher salaries due to the complexity and scope of their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rail Architect position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Architect, you need a robust understanding of railway systems, civil engineering, and infrastructure design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional accreditation. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD and BIM software, as well as knowledge of railway standards and safety regulations, is typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities ensure successful planning, coordination, and execution of complex rail infrastructure projects that meet both safety and operational requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Rail Architect?

A typical day for a Rail Architect involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design, review, and update plans for rail infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. You’ll likely attend meetings with stakeholders, engineers, and contractors to coordinate project requirements and resolve design challenges. Additional responsibilities often include preparing technical drawings, conducting site visits, and performing risk assessments. This role offers exposure to large-scale developments and requires balancing technical details with the broader goals and constraints of the rail network.

What construction jobs pay 100k a year?

For a Rail Architect, salaries of $100,000 or more typically require extensive experience, specialized skills in railway design, and often advanced certifications. High-paying roles in construction related to rail infrastructure may also include project managers and senior engineers working on large-scale projects, especially in regions with significant transportation investments.

What is a Rail Architect job?

A Rail Architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the development of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signaling systems, and related facilities. They ensure that rail projects meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards while integrating modern technology and sustainability considerations. Rail Architects collaborate with engineers, urban planners, and government agencies to develop solutions that enhance transportation networks. Their role involves feasibility studies, project planning, and contributing to long-term rail system improvements.

What is the highest paid architect job?

The highest paid architects are often those in specialized fields such as aerospace, industrial, or software architecture, with senior roles like principal or lead architects earning significantly higher salaries. In the context of traditional building architecture, senior partners or those working for large firms on complex projects tend to have the highest compensation, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

What is the burnout rate for architects?

The burnout rate for architects, including rail architects, is estimated to be around 30-50%, often due to long hours, project deadlines, and high stress levels. Factors such as workload, work environment, and work-life balance influence burnout risk in the architecture profession.
More about Rail Architect jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Architect jobs? The most popular types of Rail Architect jobs are:
Senior Rail Engineer

Senior Rail Engineer

HDR

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 368 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. 
We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

HDR is looking for a Senior Rail Engineer to join our Transportation Business Group in either our Charlotte or Raleigh office. In the role of Senior Rail Engineer, we'll count on you to:


    Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of commuter, shortline, freight, transit and class-one rail projects.
    Serve as Discipline or Task Lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects, and support other office, the Freight Rail Market Sector, and other market sectors as needed. 
    Manage scope, budget, and schedule. 
    Coordinate planning and environmental processes, manage the assembly of plans, specifications, construction estimate packages.
    Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or designing activities that have significant impact on major company programs.
    Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients. 
    Provide leadership across technical disciplines.
    Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of projects. 
    Be able to plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians.
    Mentor younger staff and support technical development.
    Supervise junior staff performance of engineering tasks. 
    Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed; project management is not sole focus of position
    Support Project Managers by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities.
    Support Project Managers by leading or participating in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed. 
    Attend industry events and represent HDR as needed. 
    Serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR.
    Perform other duties as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
    Ability to become licensed as a P.E. in additional jurisdictions through the NCEES or similar 
    Experience working with AREMA's Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) and other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and design criteria
    Proven, hands-on experience in all aspects of rail and/or civil design projects
    Demonstrated ability to lead projects through design and production through coordination with other disciplines and production staff
    Project Management experience managing projects for rail, industrial or transit clients
    Demonstrated client development or client management experience, local candidates are preferred
    Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus
    Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public is desirable

*LI-SM1
 

Required Qualifications 
 
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Proficient with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer/OpenRoads Designer, and/or AutoCAD and Civil3D
  • Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects
  • Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)
  • 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.


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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