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Rail Project Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the planning and distribution of discipline-specific work, and adherence to the ... rail projects. * Understands the impacts of decisions on technical design and work planning.

Project Planning: Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to help define project scope, objectives, and requirements for Railway infrastructure projects. * Design Development: Utilize ...

Project Engineer

Ranier, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This role will be based on a multi-year rail project in Ranier, MN with the home office out of Eau ... This person ensures Kraemer crews are planning their work by following the Work Activity Plan ...

We offer a broad range of services spanning planning, design, delivery, systems integration ... For the California High Speed Rail (CHSR) Project: * Work collaboratively with other disciplines ...

Project Engineer

Ranier, MN · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This role will be based on a multi-year rail project in Ranier, MN with the home office out of Eau ... This person ensures Kraemer crews are planning their work by following the Work Activity Plan ...

Project Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This role will be based on a multi-year rail project in Mount Pleasant, IA with the home office out ... This person ensures Kraemer crews are planning their work by following the Work Activity Plan ...

Showing results 41-60

Rail Project Planner information

See salary details

$46.5K

$87.5K

$137.5K

How much do rail project planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail project planner in the United States is $87,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail project planner?

Rail Project Planners are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the planning, scheduling, and execution of rail infrastructure projects. Their duties include assessing project requirements, developing detailed project plans, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They work closely with engineers, contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that rail projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and on time. Rail Project Planners play a crucial role in the successful expansion and maintenance of railway systems.

How does a rail project planner typically collaborate with engineers and stakeholders during project development?

A Rail Project Planner works closely with engineers, architects, and key stakeholders to align project timelines, budgets, and technical requirements. Collaboration often involves regular meetings, progress reviews, and shared documentation to ensure that project milestones are met and potential challenges are addressed early. Planners also coordinate with local authorities and regulatory bodies to secure necessary approvals, making communication and teamwork essential for project success. This collaborative environment helps to keep rail projects on track and ensures that all parties are informed and engaged throughout the development process.

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

To thrive as a Rail Project Planner, you need strong project management skills, expertise in transportation planning, and a background in civil engineering or related fields. Familiarity with planning software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and knowledge of rail industry regulations and standards are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that help coordinate stakeholders and manage complex schedules. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration on large-scale rail infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Rail Project Planner vs Rail Engineer?

AspectRail Project PlannerRail Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or related field; certifications like PMP beneficialBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentPlanning offices, project sites during planning phasesConstruction sites, design offices, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on project scheduling, resource allocation, and planningDesign, construction, and maintenance of rail systems and infrastructure

Rail Project Planners primarily handle scheduling, resource management, and project coordination during the planning phase, while Rail Engineers focus on designing, constructing, and maintaining rail infrastructure. Both roles are essential in the rail industry but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

More about Rail Project Planner jobs

What job categories do people searching Rail Project Planner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Project Planner jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rail Project Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,541 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Senior Transit & Rail Project Manager

CDM Smith

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
Job Description
CDM Smith currently has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Transit Project Manager with previous experience managing transit & rail projects to join our growing Transportation West Group in Washington State. In this position, you will manage complex transit projects for statewide transit agencies. You will lead multi-disciplined project teams, develop the scope and budget for projects, and assist with marketing and business development activities.
As an important team member, you will serve our clients and deliver on exciting opportunities by:
  • Serving as the Senior Project Manager for transit projects for Rail and/or Bus Rapid Transit projects
  • Working with current staff to enhance our transportation services capabilities
  • Mentoring staff and helping to expand our transit and program management practice
  • Leading the development of project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and monitoring and controlling project performance
  • Assisting with marketing and business development efforts to further expand our clients base and project opportunities with city, county, and state transportation agencies

Skills & Abilities
  • Experience working with project management methodology including budget development, project planning, control and assurance methodologies, project management software and finance and accounting concepts and practices.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
  • Possesses in-depth knowledge of project goals, drivers, strategies, risks and opportunities.
  • Good interpersonal and presentation skills for interacting with team members and clients.
  • Ability to interact with many people and process a large volume of requests as necessary.
  • Excellent personal computer skills including strong knowledge in MS Word and Excel.
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • 10 years of related experience.
  • PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
  • Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
  • Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, or related degree.
  • PE or AICP licensure
  • 10+ years of Transit Planning or Transit Design experience
  • Previous experience managing light rail transit and/or bus rapid transit projects for Sound Transit
  • Previous experience working with local transportation agencies such as SDOT, King County Metro, and WSDOT

Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Pay Range Min
USD $138,258.00
Pay Range Max
USD $241,966.00
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947