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Rail Systems Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering Experience: 3+ years experience developing and maintaining mechanical system designs. Licenses/Certifications: Obtain and maintain railroad safety training and ...

Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering Experience: 3+ years experience developing and maintaining mechanical system designs. Licenses/Certifications: Obtain and maintain railroad safety training and ...

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Rail Systems Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$52.4K

$124.6K

$163.6K

How much do rail systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail systems engineer in Minnesota is $124,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main collaboration points for a Rail Systems Engineer within a project team?

Rail Systems Engineers frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineers, signaling specialists, project managers, and operations staff. Their role often involves coordinating technical requirements, ensuring compatibility between different subsystems (such as signaling, communications, power supply, and rolling stock), and participating in design reviews. Effective communication and teamwork are vital, as Rail Systems Engineers must align their work with overall project timelines and safety standards. Collaboration is key during integration testing, troubleshooting, and when implementing system upgrades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rail Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification (such as PE or Chartered Engineer status). Familiarity with rail-specific technologies like signaling systems, SCADA, CAD software, and safety standards such as CENELEC is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail infrastructure and operations.

What does a Rail Systems Engineer do?

A Rail Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the complex systems that keep rail networks running safely and efficiently. This includes integrating components such as signaling, communications, power supply, and control systems to ensure smooth train operations. They work closely with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure compliance with safety standards, troubleshoot technical issues, and oversee the implementation of new technologies within rail infrastructure.

What is the difference between Rail Systems Engineer vs Signal Engineer?

AspectRail Systems EngineerSignal Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in rail systems or transportationBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, certifications in signaling systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, integration, and testing of entire rail systemsDesign, installation, and maintenance of signaling and control systems
Industry UsageUsed across rail infrastructure projects, including rolling stock and track systemsPrimarily focused on signaling and safety systems within rail networks

Rail Systems Engineers and Signal Engineers both work within the rail industry, but Rail Systems Engineers oversee the broader system integration, while Signal Engineers specialize in signaling and safety systems. The roles often overlap, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Systems Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Rail Systems Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Systems Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Systems Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Rail Systems Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,596 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Rail Facilities Engineer (Principal Engineer, Sr Engineer, Engineer, Associate Engineer)

Metropolitan Council

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Metropolitan Council rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 836 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHO WE ARE


We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
Metro Transit's Engineering Department is responsible for the development and construction of Metro Transit's public and support facilities. In the public facility area, they plan, design, and construct improvements to the rail and bus network including, for example, bus and rail stations, maintenance facilities, park and rides, and other passenger facilities. Engineering and Facilities has built and maintains over 2 million square feet of office and industrial space. Transit's Engineering and Facilities group oversee a capital budget program of $100-$150 million dollars annually and lead the effort to develop, design, and construct transit infrastructure and systems.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

As a Rail Facilities Engineer, you will lead multiple transit projects varying in size and complexity, developing or assisting in project budgets and schedules, monitoring costs and progress, anticipating potential problem areas, identifying and implementing measures to keep the projects within budget and on schedule.

This posting may be used to establish a six-month eligibility pool for current and future openings. What you would do in this job
  • Lead/assist small to large projects from 3 months to 3 years in duration.
  • Develop or assist in the development of scope of services and other non-standard provisions of RFPs and consultant contracts.
  • Participate in contract negotiations and the evaluation of proposals.
  • Assist in or develop project plans, specifications, and estimates to implement assigned capital and operating projects.
  • Use independent judgment, perform independently on most assignments, and receive technical guidance on unusual problems.
  • Contribute as project engineer and project team member on projects that vary in size and complexity and may manage several projects concurrently
  • Coordinate projects with external entities and stakeholders who may be affected by the project or program (Units of Government, the public, private parties and regulatory bodies).
  • Monitor the work of consulting engineers for conformance with contract requirements and administers those contacts.
  • Advise the Council's construction representative relative to design and costs issues during construction phase of various projects.
  • Receive occasional assistance from principal engineers in the performance of duties.
  • Provide engineer services in the planning, design, construction and implementation of capital improvement projects associated with Metro Transit.
  • Lead/assist coordination efforts with other Metro Transit departments to identify project goals, project budget, timelines for project completion.
  • Serve as project manager for RFP or IFB processes on various service and construction contracts working with the Purchasing and Finance Departments.
Note: Job duties will vary based on the classification level hired. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

The vacancy will be filled at one of the following classifications, based on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department.
Principal Engineer (Non-Represented Grade I, $96,512 - $156,624:
Bachelor' degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and five (5) years of related experience as an Engineer

  • Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota or a state with reciprocity.

Senior Engineer (Non-Represented Grade H, $89,232- $144,830:
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and at least four (4) years of related experience as an Engineer.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE)
Engineer (Non-Represented Grade G, $82,555 - $133973:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering in the related area of discipline; and at least three (3) years of related engineering experience.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire.
Associate Engineer (Non-Represented Grade F, $74,131 - $120,307:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering in a related discipline
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire. Note: FE exam replaces the former Engineering in Training (EIT) exam.

Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required for all positions.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
  • Experience in the design and construction of one or more of the following:
    • Rehab/Repair of Rail/Bus Stations
    • Rehab/Repair of Rail/Bus Operations and Maintenance Facilities
    • Track Infrastructure
    • Signalized Rail Grade Crossings, Rail Signal Priority/Pre-emption
    • Traction Power
  • Experience in project management and coordination of multiple disciplines.
  • Experience and technical knowledge in the preparation of plans and specifications.
  • Experience in leading and facilitating meetings with very complex and detailed materials.
  • Ability to develop and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationships with diverse workforce.
What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:
  • Knowledge of engineering theories and principles of design and construction.
  • Knowledge of engineering/architectural design and construction.
  • Knowledge of project management methods/techniques.
  • Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Adobe Pro, and Bluebeam.
  • Knowledge of technical specification procedures, project proposals, cost estimates and bidding procedures.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or clients.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
  • Ability to provide basic client services to interagency stakeholders, the public and other agencies. Requires tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
  • Making effective use of technology. Analyzes information to effectively identify and define problems, create solutions and make decisions.
  • Performs work with accuracy and thoroughness; uses time productively and maintains priorities despite unexpected circumstances; identifies and addresses important details in the work.
  • Works effectively in a team structure; demonstrates commitment to achieving team goals.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision and assistance.
  • Maintains a good attendance record, completes work on time, and follows policies and operating procedures.
What you can expect from us:
  • We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
  • We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
  • We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. More about why you should join us!
Additional information

What your work environment will be:
Work is primarily performed in a standard office work environment however there will be some travel from primary work site to other sites and to construction sites. At times this position will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, near moving parts and equipment, fumes and airborne particles, electrical items, and walking on uneven surfaces.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

  1. We review your minimum qualifications.
  2. We rate your education and experience.
  3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
  4. We conduct a selection interview.
nce you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

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