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Rail Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Project Manager

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Wichita, KS · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Omaha, NE · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Salina, KS · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

El Paso, TX · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Loveland, CO · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Planning information

See salary details

$56K

$103.2K

$157K

How much do rail planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail planning in the United States is $103,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 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 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 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.
More about Rail Planning jobs
What states have the most Rail Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Planning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rail Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Rail Project Manager

Wilson & Company

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Wilson Sporting Goods rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 61 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Wilson & Company is seeking a Rail Project Manager to lead freight rail, track, terminal, intermodal, industrial, yard, main line, and related civil infrastructure projects. This client-focused seller-doer will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, project controls, mentor technical staff, and strengthen long-term rail client relationships from concept development through final design and construction support.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects.
  • Define and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, work plans, staffing needs, deliverables, and project execution strategies.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project stakeholders.
  • Oversee development of technical reports, analyses, design plans, design criteria, specifications, estimates, schedules, contract documents, project guides, meeting notes, project controls, and other deliverables.
  • Provide quality oversight, perform or coordinate detailed QC reviews, and ensure project work complies with client standards, AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad/transit criteria, applicable codes, regulatory requirements, and established design criteria.
  • Coordinate field assessments, site visits, stakeholder meetings, construction reviews, and construction-phase support activities as needed.
  • Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, designers, and junior project staff while promoting collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
  • Support proposal development, scope and fee preparation, interviews, client presentations, and business development initiatives for future rail opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline, Professional Engineer license.
  • 10+ years of progressive rail, freight rail, rail track, terminal, intermodal, transit, or related civil infrastructure experience.
  • Experience serving as project manager or deputy project manager on rail or transportation infrastructure projects on Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, intermodal facilities, rail-served industrial sites, yards, terminals, main line projects, public agencies, or transit agencies.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating with clients, railroads, agencies, subconsultants, and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of engineering standards, permitting processes, regulatory requirements, contract documents, project controls, and client-specific design criteria, including railroad and transportation industry criteria such as AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad criteria, transit criteria and applicable freight rail or transportation design standards.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed for project assignments, client coordination, and site visits.
  • Familiarity with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or similar CADD/modeling platforms used by rail design teams.
  • Proven ability to develop client relationships, win work, prepare proposals, negotiate scope and fees, and identify future project opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, build high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery.

Annual salary range: $130,000-$175,000 (Depending on experience, qualifications, licensure, role level, and location.
Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently sponsoring applicants for work visas.
About Us:
For nearly a century, Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects, has provided award-winning engineering, architecture, planning, environmental, surveying, geospatial, and construction management services. With employees across multiple offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Western regions in the United States, we bring people together to practice their craft, create value, and accomplish great things.
Guided by our purpose, we help clients move from concept to completion, transforming unused spaces into productive places, underutilized facilities into efficient ones, and rural or urban challenges into achievable solutions.
At Wilson & Company, we focus on your specific needs, delivering excellence with lasting Higher Relationships in mind. By employing our core values, discipline, intensity, collaboration, shared ownership, and solutions-we create genuine experiences and lasting connections for our clients, employees, and communities.
We support our employees' success and well-being with a comprehensive benefits package, including options for health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. We are proud to be an EEO employer and maintain a drug-free workplace, conducting pre-employment background checks.
Join us and be part of a culture committed to helping you achieve personal and professional success.

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