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Rail Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Senior Rail / Track Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

In the role of Senior Rail / Track Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of commuter, shortline, freight, transit and class-one ...

Veredus - DC

Ruby on Rails Dev

Vienna, VA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

... Rails Developer to work on mobile and web application development ... The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background and desire to learn. Education * 4 year ...

HDR

Rail Bridge Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

In the role of Rail Bridge Engineer , we'll count on you to: * Serve in a technical role, under the direction of a Project Manager * Oversee the work of EITs and Junior Project Engineers * Prepare ...

HDR

Rail Bridge Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

In the role of Rail Bridge Engineer , we'll count on you to: * Serve in a technical role, under the direction of a Project Manager * Oversee the work of EITs and Junior Project Engineers * Prepare ...

Dewberry

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$97K - $127K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Senior Rail Construction Engineer to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville ...

Dewberry

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$97K - $127K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Senior Rail Construction Engineer to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRail Engineer JobsRail Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Rail Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$83.1K

$137.1K

How much do rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail engineer in Virginia is $83,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,351.00 and $106,978.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rail Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Engineer, you need a strong background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional accreditation. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and rail-specific analysis tools) and knowledge of railway safety regulations are essential. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges Rail Engineers face when working on large infrastructure projects?

Rail Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project timelines, and adapting to unexpected site conditions. Ensuring safety standards are met while minimizing disruptions to existing rail operations is also a key concern. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as Rail Engineers frequently collaborate with project managers, contractors, and government officials to deliver projects on time and within budget.

How much do rail engineers get paid?

Rail engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Senior or specialized roles can pay higher, often exceeding $100,000, especially with additional certifications and skills in railway systems and safety protocols.

What does a rail engineer do?

A rail engineer designs, maintains, and oversees the construction and operation of railway systems, including tracks, signals, and rolling stock. They ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations, often working with specialized tools and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment is typically on railway sites, control centers, or engineering offices.

How much does CSX pay engineers?

Rail engineers at CSX typically earn an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, with some positions requiring certifications and safety training.

What is the difference between Rail Engineer vs Track Engineer?

AspectRail EngineerTrack Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in railway systemsEngineering degree, certifications in civil or railway engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee railway projects, coordinate with construction teamsInspect, maintain, and repair railway tracks and infrastructure
Industry UsageDesigning and planning railway systemsEnsuring track safety and functionality

Rail Engineers focus on designing and planning railway systems, while Track Engineers specialize in maintaining and repairing railway tracks. Both roles require engineering credentials and work within the railway industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the engineering field, very few roles typically reach a $500,000 annual salary, often limited to highly specialized or executive positions such as senior engineering managers, chief engineers, or those in executive leadership with significant experience and responsibility. For example, some senior engineers in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology may earn high compensation, especially with bonuses and stock options, but such salaries are uncommon for standard engineering roles. The salary level depends on factors like industry, location, experience, and company size.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Rail Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Rail Engineer job openings:
Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,124 per year, or $40 per hour.
Senior Rail / Track Engineer

Senior Rail / Track Engineer

HDR

Vienna, VA • On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Senior Rail / Track Engineer, we'll count on you to: 
  • Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of commuter, shortline, freight, transit and class-one rail projects
  • Coordinate the planning and environmental process; manage the assembly of plans, specifications and construction estimate packages
  • Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or designing activities that have significant impact on major company programs
  • Be able to plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
  • Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed; project management is not sole focus of position
  • Serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR
  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with AREMA's Manual for Railway Engineering and other railroad design specifications is a plus
  • Preference given to local candidates

*LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Proficient with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer/OpenRoads Designer, and/or AutoCAD and Civil3D
  • Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects
  • Should be familiar with water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies
  • Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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