ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rail Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Rail Bridge Engineer

Vienna, VA

A minimum of 3 years experience in transportation design - railroad projects * Preference given to ... Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Hands-on experience with Microstation, OpenRail ...

HDR

Rail Bridge Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

A minimum of 3 years experience in transportation design - railroad projects * Preference given to ... Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Hands-on experience with Microstation, OpenRail ...

RINA

Staff Engineer - Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Key Accountabilities Assist in the completion of railway and civil design engineering calculations for track alignment, track profiles, rail facility infrastructure and rail operations under the ...

VHB

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Senior Signal Engineer/Designer - Transit & Rail - Hybrid - Multiple ... Clear understanding of railroad and rail transit design requirements including AREMA recommended ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ...

Burns

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for ... Railroad & Transit Team Burns provides design and construction solutions to help maintain, improve ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRail Design Engineer JobsRail Design Engineer Jobs in Washington

Rail Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$20

$57

$83

How much do rail design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail design engineer in Washington is $57.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.38 and $69.95 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 job?

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior rail design engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in CAD software, and advanced certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level engineers in the transportation infrastructure sector often reach this salary level, especially in senior or managerial roles overseeing large projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most rail design engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, highly experienced professionals in specialized roles or leadership positions can earn over $200,000. Salaries reaching $500,000 are rare and typically involve executive-level roles, consulting, or senior management in large infrastructure projects.

What does a rail design engineer do?

A rail design engineer develops and plans railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and stations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with standards. They use engineering software, analyze terrain, and collaborate with project teams throughout the design process.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rail Design Engineer position, 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 popular job titles related to Rail Design Engineer jobs in Washington? For Rail Design Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Design Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Design Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Rail Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,416 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
SENIOR DESIGN-BUILD DESIGN MANAGER RAIL & TRANSIT

SENIOR DESIGN-BUILD DESIGN MANAGER RAIL & TRANSIT

Parsons

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$176K - $332K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

SENIOR DESIGN-BUILD DESIGN MANAGER RAIL & TRANSIT

Parsons is an industry leader in successfully delivering complex, challenging, and high-profile infrastructure projects. Some of Parsons recent landmark rail and transit systems design-build projects include NJ-EWR Airport Automated People Mover, WA-Federal Way, CA- Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension, and NY-East Side Access.

Parsons is looking for a Senior Design-Build Design Manager to join our team! Currently with over 30 design-build projects underway in the US and over 50 pursuits you will have numerous opportunities to deliver signature projects across North America. There are opportunities in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the US where you can provide direction and management for large scale rail & transit projects. You will drive the marketing and pursuit strategy, scope development, scope management and commercial performance of the project. Remote work options available. Travel to job sites will be required.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

  • Manage a project or program valued over $1 billion in total installed cost

  • Deliver much needed transportation improvements

  • Foster collaboration across multiple stakeholders

WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING

  • 4-year degree in Civil Engineering (or related)

  • 20 + years of related work experience

  • Registered Professional Engineer

  • Design/Build experience as the Design-Manager

  • Rail & Transit design experience

  • Proven background of leading multidisciplinary teams on challenging, high-profile projects

WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING

  • Proven ability to work on project proposals to determine winning strategies

  • Strong business and commercial acumen

  • Role up your sleeves leader with effective presence and professionalism

Security Clearance Requirement:

NoneThis position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!Salary Range: $176,900.00 - $332,400.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply