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Rail Design Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Come pave the tracks to innovation with our Transit & Rail team and provide revolutionary options ... Perform broad, varied, and diverse engineering design tasks under general supervision of the design ...

Senior Track Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

Lead the design and engineering of railroad track systems, including: * Horizontal and vertical alignments * Turnouts and crossovers * Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems * Yard and siding ...

Civil Track Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$77K - $92K/yr

... engineering and design analysis and documents Prepare reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, and technical designs for railroad and/or industrial facility projects Address Request ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp ...

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Prepare and revise engineering design package documentation including site plans, utilities, plans ...

Senior Track Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$167K - $200K/yr

Lead the design and engineering of railroad track systems, including: * Horizontal and vertical alignments * Turnouts and crossovers * Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems * Yard and siding ...

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Joining our Transit and Rail team is a unique opportunity to collaborate with passionate ... Prepare and revise engineering design package documentation including site plans, utilities, plans ...

Showing results 41-60

Rail Design Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$54.1K

$138.5K

$213.8K

How much do rail design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail design engineering in Chicago, IL is $138,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,300.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail design engineer?

Rail Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing and planning railway systems, including tracks, stations, signaling, and related infrastructure. They use engineering principles and advanced software to create safe, efficient, and sustainable rail networks. Rail Design Engineers work closely with other engineers, construction teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure that projects meet technical standards and safety requirements. Their role is critical in improving transportation systems and supporting the growth of urban and regional connectivity.

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

To thrive as a Rail Design Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or mechanical engineering, experience with rail infrastructure design, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, BIM tools, and knowledge of railway standards and regulations are essential, and professional certification (such as PE or CEng) is often preferred. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant rail systems that meet rigorous industry requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by rail design engineers when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Rail Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and regulatory standards. Successfully integrating new rail systems with existing infrastructure can also be complex, requiring close collaboration with civil, electrical, and signaling engineers. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the project's success.

What is the difference between Rail Design Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectRail Design EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Railway Engineering; often professional engineering licenseBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, railway construction sites, project planningConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban development
Industry UsageSpecifically focused on railway systems, track design, signalingBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, buildings

Rail Design Engineering and Civil Engineering share foundational engineering principles and often overlap in infrastructure projects. However, Rail Design Engineering specializes in railway systems, track design, and signaling, while Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their focus areas differ significantly.

Are railroad design engineers in demand?

Railroad design engineers are in demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for modernized rail systems. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as transportation infrastructure investments increase and as engineers utilize CAD software and other design tools. Certification and specialized knowledge can enhance job prospects in this field.

How much do rail design engineers get paid?

Rail design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in CAD software and project management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

Is railway design engineering a good career?

Railway design engineering is a specialized field that involves planning and developing railway infrastructure, requiring skills in civil engineering, transportation, and project management. It offers opportunities for stable employment, competitive salaries, and involvement in large-scale infrastructure projects, often requiring relevant certifications and technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Design Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Rail Design Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Design Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Design Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Rail Design Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,520 per year, or $66.6 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer-2603240MP07

Ardmore Roderick

Chicago, IL • On-site

$83K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About Us
Ardmore Roderick is a full-service infrastructure solutions firm that specializes in Utilities, Transportation, Aviation, Rail and Transit, Building and Facilities Projects. We are headquartered in Chicago, IL with offices in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
 
Our Vision
Reimagining infrastructure to improve lives and communities
Our Mission
Transforming communities by empowering the best minds to deliver innovative infrastructure solutions
 
Our Values
We Care: especially about excellence, impact, innovation, inclusion and safety
Job Overview
We are seeking a new Electrical Design Engineer to join our team at Ardmore Roderick. As an Electrical Design Engineer, you join a team of infrastructure solutions experts working to solve our client’s ever-evolving project needs.  This opportunity will be located in our Chicago or Downers Grove, IL offices and could have potential to be hybrid depending on the specific client, project and team needs.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Work with Project Manager to break down project into tasks to be completed
  • Use Client objectives and engineering standards to design and implement projects
  • Be able to work on multiple projects at once and communicate with different practices throughout the project cycle (from bidding to construction)
  • Be able to learn new systems and programs requested by the client, AutoCAD specifically and other client specific programs
  • Constant communication with project managers to ensure timely execution of project, and early detection of potential engineering difficulties
  • This teammate will work in the development of overhead and underground physical construction design packages for various projects related to the electric utility industry in the Greater Chicago area
  • Produce design plans for overhead (OH), underground (UG), or underground residential development (URD) designs
  • Develop work packages using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs and work management systems
  • Performing engineering calculations that may include structural analysis of poles, guying, cable pulling, transformer sizing, voltage drop and flicker and coordination of protective devices
  • Assignments may also include preparing tree trimming requests, facilitating permits, development of bill of materials and estimating costs  

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in electrical or power from an ABET accredited institution
  • Zero to three years of experience with electrical design projects
  • EIT certification
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Have a team player mindset with the ability to communicate proficiently in written and verbal forms
  • Have good to great organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree(s)
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Proficient in TED/CEGIS
  • MicroStation experience
  • ComEd or other similar power provider project experience
  • Experience in the energy and utilities fields, specifically electrical distribution aerial and underground design and or transmission design
Benefits
  • We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • 401K, Paid Maternity Leave, Competitive PTO
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more
Sponsorship and relocation are not available for this opportunity. 
Ardmore Roderick is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. Ardmore Roderick participates in E-Verify.
 
We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Please reach out to us if you require reasonable accommodation in responding to a job announcement, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process.
Salary Range: $83,824-91,520, Ardmore Roderick is providing the compensation range that the company believes it might pay and/or offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location.
 

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