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Rail Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support the development and execution of the annual rail operating plan in collaboration with Transportation, Deployment, Supply Planning, and other stakeholders. * Create and maintain weekly rail ...

This includes rail planning and properly managing host nation or contracted rail assets, along with car inspections at route stops and following instructions received from signal towers or other ...

ERP Leader

La Grange, IL · On-site

$127K - $240K/yr

The ERP Leader ensures reliable system performance, disciplined execution, cross-regional alignment ... Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway ...

Production Planning Specialist (Rail)

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Kawasaki Rail Car Lincoln, INC seeks a full-time Production Planning Specialist at our Rail Car manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE. Apply now at KawasakiCareers.com . Responsibilities of ...

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Rail Planning information

See salary details

$56K

$103.2K

$157K

How much do rail planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.
Areawide Growth Leader - Transportation Planning

Areawide Growth Leader - Transportation Planning

AECOM

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


AECOM rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 79 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the worldas most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Areawide Growth Leader - Transportation Planning to drive the strategic growth of our Transportation Planning practice across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. This position plays a critical leadership role in shaping and executing growth initiatives, strengthening client relationships, supporting major pursuits, and expanding AECOM's planning market presence.

You will drive market strategy, client development, and capture efforts focused on surface planning, transportation/environmental planning, NEPA, active transportation, corridor planning, freight and goods movements, and in support of multimodal planning, transit,and rail planning.  This position will include close coordination with our operations and delivery leaders to align pursuits with capabilities and resources, and to ensure seamless handoffs from capture to delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Define and execute a growth strategy for transportation planning in the DMV that aligns with AECOM's regional and business line objectives.
  • Develop market and account plans focused on priority agencies and programs (e.g., public-sector transportation agencies, MPOs, local municipalities and counties).
  • Lead pipeline development, market intelligence, and strategic positioning for priority clients and programs.
  • Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with executive and technical stakeholders to position AECOM as the partner of choice. Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, connecting their needs with AECOM's planning and multidisciplinary capabilities.
  • Lead or support capture planning on key pursuits, including teaming strategy, value proposition development, and positioning.
  • Partner with operations, delivery, and technical leaders to align growth priorities with staffing, capabilities, and delivery capacity.
  • Collaborate with Strategy & Growth teams, Client Account Managers, and other market sectors to maximize cross-business opportunities.
  • Partner with Transportation Planning operations leadership to align growth priorities with staff capabilities and long-term business plans.
  • Oversee pipeline, account plans, and key pursuits; ensure high-quality proposals that address client needs and reflect AECOM's technical excellence.
  • Ensure disciplined use of CRM and pursuit management processes.
Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Planning, Urban/Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Environmental Planning, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning, consulting, or professional services with a strong emphasis on business development, growth strategy, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.
  • Proven track record of winning work, supporting major pursuits, and growing public-sector planning programs.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas to executive and technical audiences.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable within the industry network and established client and partner relationships in the DMV market.

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in Planning, Engineering, or Business Administration.
  • AICP and/or Professional Engineer (PE) credential (PE in MD/DC/VA a plus).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of DMV transportation agencies, planning organizations, funding programs, and procurement processes.
  • Existing relationships with DOTs, transit agencies, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in the region.
  • Familiarity with federal and state procurement and funding programs (e.g., IIJA, FTA, FHWA) and local procurement systems and processes.
  • Experience spanning multimodal corridor planning, transit and rail, active transportation, freight planning, performance-based planning, and NEPA/transportation-environmental interfaces
Additional Information
  • Relocation is an option for this position.
  • We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United St ates. Sponsorship may be available for current visa holders in the United States.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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