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Rail Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

HNTB

Rail Project Engineer

Arlington, VA

$95K - $187K/yr

Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and complexity. Leverages technical knowledge and experience to address design related issues or concerns ...

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 · 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

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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Rail Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$20

$57

$83

How much do rail design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 Mechanical Engineer-Rail & Transit Facilities

Senior Mechanical Engineer-Rail & Transit Facilities

Burns

Washington, DC • On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Burns
Burns is a nationally respected provider of specialized engineering services, bringing highly-technical, sought-after engineering expertise to complex transportation and critical infrastructure projects.
Rail & Transit Team
Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we have built a reputation on reliability and outstanding client service, delivering resilient, sustainable engineering solutions that take full advantage of new, evolving technologies. We are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, successfully guiding them through the challenges of multifaceted projects using our no-surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.
Burns is currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Rail & Transit team in Washington, D.C.
SUMMARY
Performs the technical activities on assigned projects and understands and adheres to the discipline technical policies and procedures. Participates in the production of technical studies, investigations and designs in support of assigned projects. Seeks guidance from the Principal Engineers and Chief Engineers to develop complex engineering solutions and makes independent decisions to develop solutions of low to moderate complexity. Provides technical production direction to Designers and CAD Operators. Provides production of projects on-time, in budget and of highest technical quality.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Engineer HVAC systems for Rail and Transit environments, including ventilation for underground and enclosed spaces, tunnel and platform ventilation, smoke control, and emergency ventilation systems
  • Design plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, sump systems, and specialty systems for transit facilities
  • Design fire protection systems, including sprinkler, standpipe, fire pumps, and fire suppression systems in coordination with life safety requirements
  • Develop mechanical calculations, load analyses, energy modeling inputs, and system sizing documentation
  • Define control narratives, sequences of operation, operating modes, and functional requirements for mechanical equipment.
  • Develop technical specifications, equipment schedules, and material selections for mechanical systems
  • Apply and is familiar with specific standards such as IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and other relevant local and national codes
  • Prepares detailed mechanical design drawings and engineering calculations using Revit (MEP), AutoCAD, Carrier HAP, Trane Trace, HASS Fire Protection, and other industry-standard analysis and modeling software.
  • Reviews contractor submittals, including shop drawings, product data, and test reports to verify compliance with design intent, project specifications, and applicable codes and standards.
  • Responds to technical RFIs related to mechanical systems during design and construction.
  • Uses design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
  • Works with civil, structural, electrical, communications, and other disciplines to ensure spatial coordination and functional compatibility and integration.
  • Communicates directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required
  • Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers
  • Performs specific engineering studies and design analyses and Assists the Project Manager with establishing budgets, preparing cost estimates, developing project schedules, and supporting the development of proposals and client presentations

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
  • Bachelor's (B.S.) Mechanical Engineering degree with a minimum of 8 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Similar experience with other consulting firms and experience leading design projects and overseeing design tasks is required.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Professional Engineering License is required at this level

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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