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Rail Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Los Angeles, CA ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Los Angeles, CA ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

PCB Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Multi-rail power delivery and high-speed signal integrity constraints. * Design constraint ... Senior PCB Design Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552 Pay Range: California $112,340-$195,552 USD ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Who We Are: Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering ... rail and semiconductor industries. We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Who We Are: Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering ... rail and semiconductor industries. We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering ...

Mechanical Design Engineer Who We Are: Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering ... rail and semiconductor industries. We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering ...

About Zephyr Rail Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction ...

Resident Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $239K/yr

About Zephyr Rail Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

... power rail instabilities, and component-level degradation. * Develop and execute test plans for ... the engineering team. * Perform and lead design reviews of schematics, BOMs, layout, and routing ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

... power rail instabilities, and component-level degradation. * Develop and execute test plans for ... the engineering team. * Perform and lead design reviews of schematics, BOMs, layout, and routing ...

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$147K - $180K/yr

GFT is seeking a Sr. Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in any of the following ... Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel ...

About Zephyr Rail Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$50

$72

How much do rail design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail design engineer in California is $50.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.65 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a rail design engineer on a project team?

As a Rail Design Engineer, your primary responsibilities include developing detailed rail track layouts, preparing technical drawings and specifications, and conducting feasibility and safety analyses to support rail infrastructure projects. You’ll work closely with civil engineers, drafters, construction managers, and sometimes government agencies or railway operators to integrate various technical requirements and ensure compliance with safety standards. Daily tasks often involve reviewing site data, attending project meetings, contributing to design reviews, and resolving engineering challenges as they arise. This collaborative environment allows you to directly impact major transit projects and provides valuable experience for career advancement in transportation engineering.

What is a rail design engineer?

A Rail Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, and signaling systems. They use engineering principles and specialized software to create safe, efficient, and sustainable rail transport solutions. Their work involves collaborating with civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as well as government agencies and contractors. Rail Design Engineers ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and project specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail design engineer, and why are they important?

A Rail Design Engineer should possess a solid background in civil or mechanical engineering, transportation systems, and structural analysis, usually with a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Bentley Rail Track), and knowledge of applicable regulatory standards are essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills enable successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative rail infrastructure solutions from concept to completion.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Rail Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Design Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Rail Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,055 per year, or $50 per hour.

Senior OCS Design Engineer

Hatch

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 100644 

Job Category: Infrastructure; Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management 

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States 
 

Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. With more than 65 years of business and technical expertise in mining, energy, and infrastructure, our 10,000 colleagues in 150 countries tirelessly work toward bettering the industries in which we operate. With practical solutions that are safe, innovative and sustainable, we think globally while acting locally. Are you looking for an opportunity to join a diverse group of professionals who are committed to remaining exceptional? We look forward to hearing from you.

Our expertise in infrastructure includes aviation, highways and bridges, planning and advisory services, ports, rail and transit, tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the infrastructure team is for you!
 

Looking to take the next step in your career?
 
Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated OCS (Overhead Contact System) Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team in the Ambler, PA area.
 
Other possible locations: Dallas, TX; Boston, MA; Chicago IL; Minneapolis, MN, Newark, NJ; Brooklyn, NY; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
 
In this role the ideal candidate is a results-driven engineering professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.  Candidates must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, have the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of quality, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
 
As the successful candidate, you will:

  • Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter rail and streetcar with pantograph as well as streetcar and electrified buses with trolley poles.
  • Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design.
  • Prepare design reports.
  • Develop documents including specifications, drawings and cost estimates.
  • Review project submittals and requests for information from contractors.
  • Provide installation, testing and commissioning support to clients.
  • Management of OCS projects.

 
You bring to the role:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for degree requirements.
  • 5 to 15 years of experience with dc OCS systems design, including the design of 600 to 1500 volt dc rail as well as 12 to 25 kilovolt AC 
  • Thorough understanding of the National Electrical Safety Code (NEC) and local codes.
  • Professional engineer’s license or engineer-in-training certificate is an advantage.
  • Experience with the North American transit/transportation industry is highly desirable. 

 
The following skills/experience are a plus:

  • Tension and pole/foundation load calculations
  • AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
  • Experience with Structural engineering analysis software like STAAD and RISA is a plus.
  • Experience in field testing of OCS systems
  • Knowledge of railway traction power systems
  • Project management experience

Why join us?

  • Work with great people to make a difference
  • Collaborate on exciting projects to develop innovative solutions
  • Top employer


What we offer you?

  • Flexible work environment
  • Long term career development
  • Think globally, work locally

Don't meet every single requirement? You don't need to. At Hatch, we are building a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters innovation. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your past experiences don't perfectly align with the skills we've listed.

We're committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. Hatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know. We'll do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.

Base Compensation: $130,000 - $170,000 (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)