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Rail Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hatch

Project Manager - Rail Vehicle

Washington, DC

Act as a trusted advisor to our clients, helping to deliver technically complex and cost-effective design solutions. * Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail ...

Hatch

Project Manager - Rail Vehicle

Washington, DC · On-site

Act as a trusted advisor to our clients, helping to deliver technically complex and cost-effective design solutions. * Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail ...

Hatch

Project Manager - Rail Vehicle

Washington, DC

Act as a trusted advisor to our clients, helping to deliver technically complex and cost-effective design solutions. * Hands-on engineering work within the light rail, subway, and commuter rail ...

Viavi

Digital Hardware Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$112.70 - $209.30/hr

Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineer page is loaded## Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineerlocations ... railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti ...

HDR

Bridge Designer/EIT

Vienna, VA · On-site

... design for highway and railway projects * Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using specialized software * Perform structural load calculations and ...

HDR

Bridge Designer/EIT

Vienna, VA

... design for highway and railway projects * Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using specialized software * Perform structural load calculations and ...

HDR

Transit / Rail Project Manager

Vienna, VA · On-site

In the role of Transit / Rail Project Manager, we'll count on you to ... Manage capital program engineering design and construction projects or programs in assigned area ...

HDR

Transit / Rail Project Manager

Vienna, VA · On-site

In the role of Transit / Rail Project Manager, we'll count on you to ... Manage capital program engineering design and construction projects or programs in assigned area ...

VTG

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

What will you do? • Design, implement, and maintain network and cloud infrastructure across AWS ... Rails, or similar development languages • Experience with Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or other ...

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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 Aug 10, 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?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,416 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Burns

Washington, DC • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Burns:
Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.
Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.
Railroad & Transit Team
Burns provides design and construction solutions to help maintain, improve, and expand the nation's railroad and transit infrastructure. We have designed the implementation of critical programs across the country, and support the renewed emphasis on a public transit-oriented lifestyle.
Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Railroad & Transit team in Washington, D.C.
SUMMARY
The Sr. Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field. Provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche technical areas. The Senior Engineer will spend the majority of their time developing technical expertise and supporting others. Must dispense knowledge to staff through mentoring or internal presentations. Provides the production of projects on-time, in budget with high technical quality and client satisfaction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensures that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.
  • Takes lead in developing design approaches and concepts on assigned projects and requests assistance from the senior technical staff when needed.
  • Performs specific engineering studies and design analyzes and assists the project manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates and project schedules.
  • Reviews shop drawings, record changes and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.
  • Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.
  • Develops innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality and production
  • Make and/or supervise the scoping, implementation and design of plans.
  • Plan other consultation services. Maintain highest quality of design and review.
  • Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.
  • Assists in proposal writing and client presentations for future work.
  • Provides feedback to Project Managers in regards to technical staff performance for mid and end-of-year review periods.
  • Develop a specialized niche of company's target markets.
  • Maintain overall group schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives and activity codes.
  • Is recognized by clients as an expert technical resource.
  • Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.
  • When directed by the President, Project Manager or Chief Engineer assumes other duties.
  • Sets technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegates design elements to Engineers. Designers and primarily retains most complex, high value tasks for self.
  • Mentors junior staff

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Informal task supervision of CAD Operators, Designers, Junior Associates, Associates, Engineers and Engineer IIs at the direction of the Project Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professionally Licensed Engineer with a Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 6 years of electrical design experience.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Professional Engineering License is required at this level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Progressive engineering experience working on tasks of high complexity on projects of various scales.
  • Experience producing Electrical Engineering deliverables, including design drawings, specifications, basis of design reports, calculations, and site assessment reports.
  • Proficient in performing Electrical Studies and Calculations (short circuit, selective coordination, arc flash, Load flow, Voltage Drop, C Photometric lighting, Ground Grid, etc.)
  • Proficient knowledge in the use of industry standard engineering software and tools such as AutoCAD or Revit, and other specialized design software as required.
  • Proficient in ETAP, SKM or Easy Power.
  • Knowledgeable in various industry codes and standards, including NEC, NESC, ANSI, and IEEE.
  • A broad understanding of other engineering disciplines is essential.
  • Ability to research and interpret engineering discipline codes and standards for non-routine, complex engineering tasks.
  • Proficient knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to a specific engineering discipline.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to interface with clients and team members.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills with a strong ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with both internal teams, cross-disciplinary teams, and external partners
  • Ability to develop and maintain client relationships.
  • Experience providing technical guidance, training, and feedback to early career employees.
  • Strong critical thinking skills with a proven ability to independently solve moderately complex problems with minimal supervision
  • Previous experience in consulting is highly preferred.
  • Previous experience in substation design is a plus.
  • Previous experience in Design-Build projects is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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