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Rail Operator Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Senior Rail Signal Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Experience working with transit agencies or rail operators WSP Benefits: WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee ...

Operate locomotives safely while following railroad operating rules and regulations. * Perform pre-trip inspections, operational tests, and equipment checks. * Monitor train controls, gauges, air ...

Project work will include overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Electrified Bus, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact ...

Build and maintain trusted relationships with rail agencies, public owners, operating entities, and industry partners. * Identify emerging opportunities in intercity rail, commuter rail, corridor ...

Project work will include overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Electrified Bus, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact ...

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Rail Operator information

See New York salary details

$5

$24

$38

How much do rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail operator in New York is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $32.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail operator?

Rail operators are professionals responsible for operating trains and ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight along railway networks. Their duties typically include monitoring train controls, adhering to schedules, communicating with dispatchers, and following safety protocols. Rail operators play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of rail services and must undergo specialized training and certification.

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

To thrive as a Rail Operator, you need a strong understanding of rail safety protocols, operational procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes certification in railway operations are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely operation of trains, minimizing risks and service disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by rail operators during their shifts?

Rail operators frequently encounter challenges such as managing unexpected delays, ensuring passenger safety during peak hours, and responding to equipment malfunctions or track obstructions. They must stay alert and follow strict protocols to maintain schedules and communicate effectively with control centers and other crew members. Adapting to changing weather conditions and handling emergency situations calmly are also essential aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Rail Operator vs Train Conductor?

AspectRail OperatorTrain Conductor
CredentialsDriver's license, safety certifications, train operation trainingSafety certifications, customer service training
Work EnvironmentCab of the train, control roomPassenger cars, station platforms
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, transit authoritiesRail companies, transit agencies
Primary ResponsibilitiesOperate and control train movementAssist passengers, ensure safety, manage tickets

While both roles are essential in rail transportation, the Rail Operator primarily focuses on operating the train and ensuring safe movement, whereas the Train Conductor handles passenger interactions and safety onboard. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the rail industry.

How much money does a rail operator make?

A rail operator's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, shift schedules, and the type of rail system can influence earnings.

What do you need to be a rail operator?

To become a rail operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and specialized training or certification in train operations. Good communication skills, the ability to operate train controls, and a clean safety record are also important requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Operator jobs in New York?

For Rail Operator jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Operator jobs in NY?

For Rail Operator jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Operator job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,323 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Rail Signal Engineer

WSP

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Rail Signal Engineer to support our Transit and Rail/Systems Engineering practice in New York, NY.

The Senior Rail Signal Engineer provides technical oversight and engineering support for railway signaling systems, including interlockings, block design, and associated control systems. This role ensures that signal designs, interlocking logic, and system interfaces are reviewed, validated, and approved in accordance with applicable operational principles and safety standards.

The position serves as a key liaison between designers, suppliers, and client operations teams to support design acceptance, testing, and system integration while maintaining safety and operational continuity throughout project delivery.
 

Your Impact
  • Review and approve signaling design drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation
  • Coordinate across designers, suppliers, and client stakeholders on signal system design and implementation
  • Evaluate interlocking logic, control circuits, and system functionality to ensure compliance with operational and safety requirements
  • Review and approve test procedures related to signal systems, interlocking functionality, and control sequences
  • Verify alignment of signaling system design with operational rules, standards, and system requirements
  • Ensure that design changes maintain system interoperability, safety integrity, and maintainability
  • Support interface coordination between interlockings, field equipment, and associated control systems
  • Participate in design reviews, field inspections, and stakeholder coordination meetings
  • Track design deliverables, test progress, and resolution of technical comments
  • Support system integration, verification, validation, and commissioning activities
     
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Systems, or Railway Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • Minimum of  12+ years of experience in railway signaling system design, testing, or maintenance
  • Engineering License or ability to obtain
  • Experience reviewing and coordinating signaling design packages and interlocking systems
  • Experience developing or reviewing signal test procedures and verification plans
  • Strong understanding of railway signaling principles, operational practices, and legacy systems
  • Ability to support field activities, testing, and stakeholder coordination
  • Flexibility to support off-hours testing or commissioning activities as needed
  • Understanding of vital and non-vital signal systems, including relay-based and electronic interlockings
  • Familiarity with signaling system design principles, including block layouts, routes, and protection logic
  • Knowledge of system integration, interfaces, and control system coordination
  • Experience with testing, verification, and validation of signaling systems
     

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Strong analytical skills for reviewing circuit designs and control logic
  • Effective communication skills for presenting technical findings and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience working with transit agencies or rail operators

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:
Expected Salary: $150,000 - $225,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
 

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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