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Rail Maintenance Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Rail Construction Manager

Dulles, VA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

The Rail Construction Manager will be assigned project elements that may include rail stations ... Maintain familiarity with applicable plans, specifications, RFIs, submittals, schedules, and look ...

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The Rail Construction Manager will be assigned project elements that may include rail stations ... Maintain familiarity with applicable plans, specifications, RFIs, submittals, schedules, and look ...

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Showing results 21-40

Rail Maintenance information

See Washington salary details

$14

$35

$63

How much do rail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail maintenance in Washington is $35.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail maintenance?

Rail maintenance refers to the ongoing inspection, repair, and upkeep of railway tracks, signals, and associated infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient train operations. This work includes tasks such as replacing worn rails, fixing track alignment, maintaining signaling systems, and clearing debris from tracks. Rail maintenance crews use specialized equipment and often work during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to train schedules. Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing accidents, reducing delays, and extending the lifespan of railway assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail maintenance worker?

To thrive as a Rail Maintenance Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of rail infrastructure, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with specialized tools, safety systems, and certifications such as OSHA or track safety credentials is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for performing inspections and repairs efficiently. These skills ensure the safe and continuous operation of rail systems, minimizing risks and service disruptions.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by rail maintenance technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Rail maintenance technicians often encounter challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, adhering to tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring safety standards are met on active railways. Addressing these challenges requires effective teamwork, ongoing safety training, and adaptability to rapidly changing situations. Many employers support technicians by providing comprehensive safety gear, regular skills development workshops, and clear communication channels to coordinate with train operators and other maintenance teams.

What is the difference between Rail Maintenance vs Track Inspector?

AspectRail MaintenanceTrack Inspector
CertificationsRailway safety certifications, equipment operation licensesTrack inspection certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentMaintenance yards, trackside, on-site repairsTrackside, inspection vehicles, remote locations
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, transit authoritiesRail companies, regulatory agencies

Rail Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining railway infrastructure and equipment, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Track Inspectors focus on examining tracks for defects, safety hazards, and compliance. While both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, Rail Maintenance is more hands-on with repairs, whereas Track Inspectors primarily assess track conditions to prevent accidents.

How to get into rail maintenance?

To enter rail maintenance, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or apprenticeships in railway systems, electrical work, or mechanical repair. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety protocols, ability to operate specialized tools, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or equipment-specific licenses. Prior experience in construction, manufacturing, or transportation can also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Maintenance jobs in Washington?

For Rail Maintenance jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Maintenance jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Maintenance jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Rail Maintenance jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Rail Maintenance job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Maintenance job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,369 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

$84K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Michael Baker International rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 453 rated engineering


Job description


Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.
What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker is adding an Office Engineer to our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, VA! In this role, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects by applying your professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities, and you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Rail design teams, construction staff, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to help deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality rail projects across all phases of project delivery.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces
  • Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates
  • Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout design and construction phases
  • Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements
  • Apply railroad and transit standards, including AREMA, FRA, and client-specific guidelines, during project execution
  • Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts
  • Respond to RFIs and provide engineering support during construction
  • Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third-party stakeholders
  • Help ensure that designs and construction support activities meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Maintain organized and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

What You Need to Succeed:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
  • A minimum of 6 years professional civil engineering experience supporting rail infrastructure initiatives and projects (preferably for freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems)
  • Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation
  • A strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods
  • Excellent communication, coordination, problem-solving and client-facing skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $84,000-$110,000 per year. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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