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Rail Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

CSX

Track Supervisor

Scottsville, VA

Less than 1 year of supervisory experience in Railroad Engineering Operations Equivalent Minimum Qualifications * High School Diploma/GED * 1 or more years of supervisory experience in Railroad ...

CSX Corporation

Track Supervisor

Scottsville, VA · On-site

$104K - $116K/yr

Less than 1 year of supervisory experience in Railroad Engineering Operations Equivalent Minimum Qualifications * High School Diploma/GED * 1 or more years of supervisory experience in Railroad ...

RailPros

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

Williamsburg, VA

$105K/yr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed ...

RailPros

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed ...

CSX Corporation

Track Supervisor

Scottsville, VA

Less than 1 year of supervisory experience in Railroad Engineering Operations Equivalent Minimum Qualifications * High School Diploma/GED * 1 or more years of supervisory experience in Railroad ...

RailPros

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

Williamsburg, VA

$105K/yr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed ...

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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.
Project Manager, Programmatic/Program Management

Project Manager, Programmatic/Program Management

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

640th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly. VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for Virginia's state-supported passenger rail services. The VPRA also funds Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and administers all capital expansion projects, infrastructure, and land acquisitions related to the $3.7 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which will double Amtrak and VRE service in Virginia over the next decade. The VPRA acts as a "responsible public entity" for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, or operation, or any combination thereof, of a "qualifying transportation facility" under the Public Private Partnership Act of 1995.
Are you a professional engineer looking for your next project? Do you have a background in rail? If so, VPRA is looking for you! The Program Management Team is seeking a Project Manager to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects that support the VPRA's Operations group as they oversee the multi-billion-dollar statewide rail program. This role will lead efforts to develop and implement CADD and design standards, technical specifications, and engineering policies; manage technical projects tied to infrastructure improvements; and support Operations with ad hoc initiatives across Virginia. Success in this role requires strong project management, exceptional organization and planning, knowledge of design and construction, and a collaborative approach to developing deliverables. The Project Manager will also carry out a range of business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions to support program needs.
This position may be based in Richmond or Alexandria, Virginia.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Director of Program Management, the Project Manager will:
  • Develop, publish, manage, and maintain, via periodic updates, a set of VPRA common engineering standards and specifications for VPRA Capital Projects that incorporate, among other things, AREMA recommendations, CSX Transportation (CSXT), Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), Amtrak, and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) standards. This could include developing CADD Standards and guidelines, VPRA-specific design standards, and a manual.
  • Support updates to any existing manuals, established processes, engineering standards, and specifications across the Operations department to ensure alignment, as appropriate, with various applicable standards, including AREMA recommendations, CSXT, NS, Amtrak, VRE standards, and industry best practices.
  • Deliver ad hoc projects when a VPRA programmatic need arises
  • Develop technical learning materials and host in-house seminars periodically to train applicable Operations staff on projects/materials developed in the role.
  • Support the Director of Program Management with periodic updates to the VPRA Program Management plans.
  • Employ an understanding of rail and transit operations, including the environmental review process, to ensure deliverables/solutions meet the needs of the Rail Services, ROW, Planning, and Engineering & Construction teams.
  • Develop and manage scopes of work, budgets, work plans, resource plans, and other supporting documents required for the job and activities assigned.
  • Support Program Management team, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams, and others as required.
  • Develop and present reports, dashboards, executive summaries, and other verbal media to support VPRA and its leadership team.
  • Occasional statewide travel may be required for project-related tasks and nationally for conferences.

Required Education:
  • BS/BA degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from an accredited college.

Preferred Education:
  • Professional engineering license in Virginia
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Required Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of project management experience managing design and/or construction activities for a large (>$10M) transportation project in the role of project manager, project engineer, or similar capacity.
  • Experience with engineering and design activities for passenger rail projects and familiarity with railroad engineering principles related to track and station elements.
  • Experience coordinating project activities with Virginia municipalities and statewide agencies, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation policies, funding, and legislative and regulatory requirements related to freight and rail Projects, including 49 CFR, Subtitle B, Ch. II and AREMA guidelines.
  • Ability to provide project management support on several projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to use technical expertise and influence to gain consensus on technical matters.
  • Ability to conduct independent research into engineering-related matters, prepare reports, present findings, and make recommendations.
  • Ability to manage technical teams, consultants, and construction contractors.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a team member, leader, manager, and problem solver in an organization with a diverse staff and customer base.
  • Proficiency in using MS Word, MS Project/Oracle P6, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and MS SharePoint/Teams.

Preferred Experience:
  • Rail or transit capital project management experience.
  • Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and Enterprise Management Information Systems, including Asset Management and project management software.
  • Relevant design, construction, and/or operations experience with Class 1 railroads, specifically CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Are you interested in this position, but you don't meet every single requirement? At VPRA, we are dedicated to building a talented team and an inclusive, authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other positions.
Applicants must fully and accurately represent their qualifications and work history on the application or resume. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information in the application, resume, or other relevant documents; therefore, applicants must supply detailed information. Submitting an incomplete application/resume or an application/resume lacking in detail may impact your interview eligibility. This website will confirm receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Equal Opportunity Employer

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