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Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Senior Rail Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

In the role of Senior Engineer Rail, we'll count on you to: * Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of transit rail projects * Coordinate the planning and ...

HDR

Senior Rail Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

In the role of Senior Engineer Rail, we'll count on you to: * Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of transit rail projects * Coordinate the planning and ...

HDR

Senior Bridge Rail Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

HDR Senior Rail Bridge Engineers thrive in entrepreneurial environments where team members are encouraged to shape their work roles to their strengths and interests. Our proven workshare approach ...

HDR

Senior Transit/Rail Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

In the role of Senior Transit/Rail 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 ...

HDR

Senior Transit/Rail Engineer

New York, NY

$114K - $157K/yr

In the role of Senior Transit/Rail 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 ...

HDR

Senior Bridge Rail Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

HDR Senior Rail Bridge Engineers thrive in entrepreneurial environments where team members are encouraged to shape their work roles to their strengths and interests. Our proven workshare approach ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Omaha, NE

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

RailPros

Rail Design Engineer

Omaha, NE

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of ...

Rail Management Services

Railroad Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Manage rail track switches to direct rail cars to appropriate tracks. * Ability to connect and ... Prior Conductor / Engineer experience is required. * You must have advanced knowledge of the ...

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All JobsRail Engineer Jobs

Rail Engineer information

See salary details

$25.5K

$85.5K

$141K

How much do rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail engineer in the United States is $85,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and expansion of rail networks. The job requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety protocols, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as transportation infrastructure investments increase.

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 $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Senior or specialized rail engineers can earn higher salaries, especially with certifications and advanced 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 industry standards, often working with specialized tools and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically involves field inspections, technical planning, and collaboration with other transportation professionals.

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, senior-level roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes work in high-paying industries or companies. Such compensation is uncommon for entry-level or mid-career engineers.
More about Rail Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Rail Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Rail Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Rail Engineer jobs? The top employers for Rail Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rail Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Engineer jobs are:
Rail Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,472 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Senior Rail Engineer

Senior Rail Engineer

HDR

Portland, OR • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 369 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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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 Engineer Rail, we'll count on you to:
  • Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design-team management of transit 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
  • Proficient with InRail/InRoads
  • Perform other duties as needed

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) 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
  • 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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