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Rail Planning Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including industry track, terminals, spurs, mainlines, yards, and sidings. * Coordinate with railroad companies for ...

Regional Lead - Rail Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including industry track, terminals, spurs, mainlines, yards, and sidings. * Coordinate with railroad companies for ...

Regional Lead - Rail Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including industry track, terminals, spurs, mainlines, yards, and sidings. * Coordinate with railroad companies for ...

Peripheral rail equipment validation (lube systems, cable carriers, cabling) * Develop 3D models ... Release approved engineering packages in ERP * Support Continuous Improvement of engineering ...

Service top of rail and gauge face lubricator units to specified guidelines. * Perform lubrication ... Planning and Organizing 6. Work Standards This post is also available in: Portuguese (Brazil ...

This role works closely with site logistics, demand chain planning, Dallas railcar fleet ... Coordinates and oversees on-site rail maintenance provider services to ensure safe, timely ...

This role works closely with site logistics, demand chain planning, Dallas railcar fleet ... Coordinates and oversees on-site rail maintenance provider services to ensure safe, timely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rail Planning information

See Michigan salary details

$48.8K

$90K

$136.8K

How much do rail planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail planning in Michigan is $89,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail planning?

Rail planning involves the strategic design, development, and management of railway systems to ensure efficient and safe transportation of passengers and freight. It includes tasks like analyzing current and future transportation needs, route selection, scheduling, and infrastructure development. Rail planners work closely with government agencies, engineering teams, and stakeholders to optimize rail networks and support sustainable growth. The goal is to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and support economic development through effective rail solutions.

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

To thrive as a Rail Planner, you need expertise in transportation planning, data analysis, and knowledge of railway systems, often supported by a degree in civil engineering, transportation, or urban planning. Familiarity with GIS software, scheduling tools, and transport modeling systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure efficient rail operations, optimal resource allocation, and successful stakeholder collaboration in complex transportation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in rail planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in rail planning often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing complex schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to align the interests of government agencies, contractors, and community groups. Staying updated on the latest industry regulations and leveraging specialized planning software can help streamline processes and mitigate potential conflicts. Collaboration and adaptability are key to successfully navigating the complexities of rail planning projects.

What is the difference between Rail Planning vs Rail Operations?

AspectRail PlanningRail Operations
Primary FocusDesigning and scheduling rail networks, route planning, infrastructure developmentManaging daily train movements, ensuring safety, and operational efficiency
Required SkillsTransportation planning, GIS, project management, regulatory knowledgeOperations management, safety protocols, communication skills
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, planning departments, project sitesTrain yards, control centers, on-site operational areas
CertificationsTransportation planning certifications, civil engineering credentialsSafety certifications, operational licenses

Rail Planning focuses on designing and scheduling rail networks, while Rail Operations manages daily train movements and safety. Both roles are essential in the rail industry but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Planning jobs in Michigan?

For Rail Planning jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Planning job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,965 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Senior Manager, Build Planning and Distribution

Lucid Motors

Southfield, MI • On-site

$132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Lucid is seeking a Senior Manager, Build Planning and Distribution to lead end-to-end vehicle build planning, inventory strategy, allocation, and operational execution across North America Sales. This leader will connect build planning, inventory deployment, middle/final mile logistics, field readiness, and vendor operations to ensure the right vehicles are available in the right time at the right place. 

This role requires a strategic operator who can lead a team, influence cross-functional partners, build scalable processes, and stay close to daily execution. The ideal candidate brings automotive sales operations, vehicle planning, inventory management, and logistics experience, with the ability to turn complex operational dependencies into clear plans, measurable outcomes, and executive-ready recommendations.

You Will 

  • Lead end-to-end build planning and inventory operations, from production planning through field inventory deployment. 
  • Align build plans with sales forecasts, S&OP demand, production constraints, customer orders, and North America inventory objectives. 
  • Partner with Product, GTM, Engineering, IT, Production, and Operations teams to support new model year, trim, package, and option launches, including requirements, UAT, documentation, training, and communications. 
  • Manage inventory allocation and logistics execution from factory release to field locations. 
  • Lead U.S. and Canada inventory distribution strategy, including regional allocation, rail mix, storage yard capacity, and future distribution planning for new vehicle programs. 
  • Own or support middle mile and final mile transportation strategy, vendor performance, shipping lane constraints, SOPs, quote comparisons, and escalation management. 
  • Partner with Finance and Procurement on vendor purchase orders, invoice reviews, accruals, audits, and transportation spend tracking. 
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team responsible for build planning, inventory operations, vehicle movement, reporting, and continuous process improvement. 

You Bring 

  • 10+ years of experience in automotive sales operations, vehicle planning, inventory management, logistics, mobility, or a relevant adjacent industry. 
  • Strong understanding of vehicle lifecycle operations, including build planning, allocation, inventory flow, distribution, delivery readiness, and customer demand dynamics. 
  • Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional programs across Sales, Delivery, Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Product, IT, Finance, Procurement, Quality, and Field Operations. 
  • Strong analytical capability, including the ability to evaluate demand trends, build configurations, inventory KPIs, vehicle movement constraints, and executive-level reporting needs. 
  • Experience managing vendor relationships, operational SLAs, transportation partners, invoice review processes, purchase orders, or third-party logistics workflows. 
  • Ability to create structure in ambiguity, build processes from the ground up, and scale operations in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex operational topics into clear updates, decisions, and recommendations. 
  • High attention to detail, strong business acumen, sound judgment, and a bias for action. 
  • Bachelor's degree required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience in premium, luxury, EV, direct-to-consumer, or high-growth automotive environments. 
  • Experience with S&OP, demand planning, take-rate forecasting, vehicle configuration planning, allocation, or distribution strategy. 
  • Experience managing third-party logistics providers, transportation vendors, storage yard operations, rail planning, or final mile delivery programs. 

Compensation Range for position in Southfield, MI:

USD $132,000 -$ 175,000

At Lucid, we don't just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.


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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007