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Rail Signal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... engineering team on the California High Speed Rail, Track and Systems contract. You will be ... This person needs to be familiar with all the major rail systems; track, electrification, signaling ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... signals, traction power, communications). * Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout ...

Rail Lead - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300K - $380K/yr

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... signals, traction power, communications). * Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout ...

Locomotive Engineer

Oro Grande, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Locomotive Engineer COMPANY: Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business since 1986 and ... Interpret and follow train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations. * Communicate ...

City Traffic Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$153K - $195K/yr

The Traffic Engineer plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the development, operation ... Comprehensive knowledge of signal preemptions and communications with the railroad signals Design ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Signal Engineer information

See California salary details

$35K

$94.8K

$165.8K

How much do rail signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail signal engineer in California is $94,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail signal engineer?

A Rail Signal Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and testing railway signaling systems to ensure safe and efficient train operations. They work with technologies such as track circuits, interlockings, and automated signaling systems to prevent collisions and manage train movements. Their role requires knowledge of railway regulations, signaling principles, and electrical or electronic systems. Rail Signal Engineers collaborate with project teams, transportation authorities, and maintenance crews to ensure compliance with safety standards and system reliability.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a rail signal engineer?

As a Rail Signal Engineer, your day-to-day tasks often involve designing and reviewing signaling layouts, preparing technical documentation, and testing or commissioning new installations. You may also spend time diagnosing and resolving faults in existing systems and collaborating closely with project managers, civil engineers, and field technicians. Regular site visits and adherence to strict safety standards are common aspects of the routine. This role offers a dynamic mix of office-based planning work and field activities, making every day both challenging and rewarding for those interested in railway technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rail signal engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or electronic engineering, with experience in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting railway signaling systems. Familiarity with CAD software, signaling standards like AREMA or EN50128, and certifications such as IRSE are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities set candidates apart. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of railway networks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Signal Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Rail Signal Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Rail Signal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,849 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Rail Systems Engineering Lead

Americas Region

Sacramento, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Joining Arup  

Arup's purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

We collaborate with public and private sector clients to unlock the transformative potential of railways. We offer a broad range of services spanning planning, design, delivery, systems integration, assurance, safety and security assessments, and optimization of railway operation and maintenance performance to unlock the financial value for investors, asset owners, operators and maintainers, while navigating the transition to low carbon and resilient rail. You would be joining our multidisciplinary team focusing on technical excellence and innovative solutions that shape a better future for people and the planet.
Given our growing business, Arup is looking for an accomplished Rail Systems Engineering Lead based in San Francisco to support our client in Sacramento. Your initial focus will be developing and providing local leadership for Arup's engineering team on the California High Speed Rail, Track and Systems contract.  Longer term you will be expected to pursue new rail systems projects in the region. We are looking for someone with broad rail systems technical skills,  that can engage with people, create a positive environment that encourages new engineers to join the team. 
 

The Opportunity  

    Lead and supervise the Systems Engineering and integration processes for new, and upgrading existing rail systems, including System Architecture, Requirements Management, System Integration, System Performance and Simulation.
    Strong domain knowledge in at least one of the following disciplines; Electrification, Signaling and Train Control, Communications.
    Own the design process of a multi-disciplinary Rail Design team where Arup is the prime or lead designer
    Ensure the design compliance with Quality Management systems
    Ensure that the Design teams achieve coordination
    Understand our client's goals and aspirations and maintain them as a reference point throughout the project
    Lead our clients' user groups and collaborator meetings
    Track and expedite the resolution of design decisions.
    Support the Engineering and Design Director to establish and monitor the design scope, schedule and resource plan for the design team
    Coordinate communication and flow of information between design team members
    Coordinate activities and work between design team members
    Assess client needs and identify connections with Arup capabilities
    Desirably have experience with construction contract document preparation and management in a Design-build environment.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective - in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.  

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve. 

Is this role right for you?

    Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in engineering
    Experience working directly with clients in a leadership role.
    10 years of rail systems design experience, with strong domain knowledge in Electrification or Train Control or Communications.
    Strong preference for candidates who have be involved in a rail systems project from beginning to end and who have direct experience of the practical issues that arise during installation, testing & commissioning and entry into service.
    Proven understanding of the application System Safety Certification processes and RAMS
    Knowledgeable in railway standards such as CENELEC, AREMA, MIL-STD, IEEE and EN
    Engineering Concepts, including Design, Verification & Validation, and System Integration
    Professional Engineer designation in California or equivalent would be an asset
    Demonstrable understanding of owner/client capital project drivers and priorities
    Basic understanding of construction project procurement approaches, project schedule and cost estimate documents is preferred
    Ability to plan, coordinate and lead design/consulting delivery teams
Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal.If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to ourTalent Communitywhere you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

What we offer you 

At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together. 

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive - through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.  

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.  

Benefits at Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm's financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future 

Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available 

San Francisco Hiring Range - Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Francisco is $240,000 to $270,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Francisco will differ. 

Different People, Shared Values 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence.  

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion - we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.  

Our Application Process 

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly. 

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability. 

Stay safe online. Recruitment fraud is on the rise, and Arup's name, logo, and branding have been used in fraudulent job advertisements. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of our recruitment process.   

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