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Rail Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STV

Senior Engineering Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA

$116K - $133K/yr

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and subject matter expert supporting transit and rail clients nationwide. This highly consultative role ...

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$30.7K

$62.9K

$117.5K

How much do rail operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail operations manager in Virginia is $62,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $76,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Rail Operations Manager, you need a strong background in transportation logistics, operational management, and safety regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or significant industry experience. Familiarity with rail traffic control systems, scheduling software, and safety compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills are essential to effectively coordinate teams and manage unexpected challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable rail operations while meeting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Rail Operations Manager vs Rail Supervisor?

AspectRail Operations ManagerRail Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire rail operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of rail crews, enforces safety protocols
CredentialsTypically requires relevant experience, certifications in safety and operationsOften requires experience in rail work, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, field oversight, coordination with multiple departmentsOn-site supervision of train crews and maintenance teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in large rail companies and freight operationsUsed in daily operational roles within rail companies

The Rail Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and coordination of rail activities, while the Rail Supervisor handles daily supervision of crews. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but the manager has broader responsibilities for overall operations.

What are the main challenges Rail Operations Managers typically face when coordinating schedules and resources?

Rail Operations Managers often navigate the complexities of coordinating train schedules, crew assignments, and track maintenance while ensuring safety and minimizing delays. Balancing the needs of passenger and freight services, handling unexpected disruptions like weather or mechanical issues, and maintaining clear communication with multiple teams are common challenges. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What are Rail Operations Managers?

Rail Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of railway systems, ensuring that trains run safely, efficiently, and on schedule. They manage staff, coordinate train movements, and handle any operational issues that arise. Their role often includes planning and implementing safety procedures, liaising with other departments, and analyzing performance data to improve service quality. Rail Operations Managers play a crucial role in maintaining smooth and reliable rail services.
What are popular job titles related to Rail Operations Manager jobs in Virginia? For Rail Operations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Operations Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Operations Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Rail Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Rail Operations Manager job openings:
Rail Operations Manager jobs near you
Senior Engineering Operations Manager

Senior Engineering Operations Manager

STV

Fairfax, VA

$116K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and subject matter expert supporting transit and rail clients nationwide. This highly consultative role partners directly with agency leadership to guide operational strategy, readiness, and implementation for new systems, service expansions, and complex transit programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep, hands-on experience at a senior level within a public transit agency environment and understands the full lifecycle of operations and maintenance planning-from concept through testing, commissioning, and start-up. This individual will provide practical, real-world insight to help agencies deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service across multiple transit modes.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a senior advisor to transit agency clients on operations, maintenance, and system readiness initiatives

  • Lead development of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plans and operational frameworks for new system start-ups and expansions

  • Support testing & commissioning activities, system integration testing, and operational readiness planning

  • Provide subject matter expertise in control center operations, service delivery, and vehicle maintenance strategy

  • Develop Concepts of Operations (ConOps), pre-revenue operations plans, and transition strategies

  • Collaborate with engineering, systems, and program management teams to align operational requirements with design and construction

  • Interface directly with client leadership and stakeholders to provide guidance, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices

  • Mentor internal staff and support business development efforts within STV's transit systems practice

Qualifications:

  • 25+ years of progressive experience in public transit operations

  • Senior-level leadership experience within a transit agency environment

  • Experience across multiple transit modes, including: Light Rail, Commuter Rail, Heavy Rail/Subway, and Bus Operations

  • Strong working knowledge of: Control Center Operations, Vehicle maintenance and lifecycle planning, Operational readiness and system start-up

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing Testing & Commissioning Plans

  • System Integration Test Planning

  • New system start-up and transition planning

  • Experience supporting major capital or system expansion programs

  • Consulting or advisory experience supporting public agencies

Compensation Range:

$116,930.89 - $133,635.31

STV offers the following benefits Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) Disability insurance Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment 401(k) Plan Retirement Counseling Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) Paid Holidays (9 days) Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) Continuing Education Program Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

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