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Rail Technical Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred ... Must have experience writing technical documents (including but not limited to plans, SOPs, etc.

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred ... Must have experience writing technical documents (including but not limited to plans, SOPs, etc.

Ruby on Rails

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Selected candidates will possess the following Ruby on Rails technical experience and surrounding ... and written communication skills Experience in API design Detail oriented Experience with ...

Writer, Part-Time

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Writer, Part-Time Department: Communications Reporting To: VP, Editorial Type: Part-Time Posting ... Light Rail Station and Northgate Transit Center; free parking Working Conditions: * This role is ...

Writer, Part-Time

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Writer, Part-Time Department: Communications Reporting To: VP, Editorial Type: Part-Time Posting ... Light Rail Station and Northgate Transit Center; free parking Working Conditions: * This role is ...

Writer, Part-Time

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Writer, Part-Time Department: Communications Reporting To: VP, Editorial Type: Part-Time Posting ... Light Rail Station and Northgate Transit Center; free parking Working Conditions: * This role is ...

Writer, Part-Time

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Writer, Part-Time Department: Communications Reporting To: VP, Editorial Type: Part-Time Posting ... Light Rail Station and Northgate Transit Center; free parking Working Conditions: * This role is ...

Televic Rail US is a global leader in rail communication and passenger information systems ... Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Strong analytical, organizational, and problem ...

Rail Network Coordinator

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

The Rail Network Coordinator is responsible for proactively monitoring loaded railcars from the ... Proficient in technical writing, good communication skills- attention to detail is critical

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

The Rail Logistics Coordinator is responsible for proactively monitoring loaded railcars from the ... Proficient in technical writing, good communication skills- attention to detail is critical

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

The Rail Logistics Coordinator is responsible for proactively monitoring loaded railcars from the ... Proficient in technical writing, good communication skills- attention to detail is critical

Rail Logistics Coordinator

Okemos, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

The Rail Logistics Coordinator is responsible for proactively monitoring loaded railcars from the ... Proficient in technical writing, good communication skills- attention to detail is critical

Showing results 21-40

Rail Technical Writer information

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$13

$38

$66

How much do rail technical writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail technical writer in the United States is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail technical writer?

Rail Technical Writers are professionals who specialize in creating, editing, and maintaining technical documentation specific to the railway industry. Their work includes producing manuals, safety procedures, operation guides, and maintenance instructions for trains, signaling systems, and other rail infrastructure. They collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other experts to ensure the information is accurate, clear, and compliant with industry standards. Rail Technical Writers play a key role in ensuring that staff and operators understand complex rail systems and safety protocols.

How does a rail technical writer typically collaborate with engineering and operations teams during the documentation process?

A Rail Technical Writer works closely with engineering and operations teams to gather accurate and up-to-date technical information for manuals, procedures, and safety documentation. Collaboration often involves attending project meetings, conducting interviews with subject matter experts, and reviewing technical drawings or system specifications. This partnership ensures that complex technical concepts are translated into clear, user-friendly documents for a wide range of audiences. Effective communication and attention to detail are key, as writers must clarify ambiguities and ensure compliance with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Rail Technical Writer, you need strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of rail industry standards, typically supported by a degree in English, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with documentation tools like Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Office Suite, and rail-specific content management systems is often required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, user-friendly documents are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, compliant, and accessible documentation, which is vital for safety, operations, and regulatory adherence in the rail industry.

What is the difference between Rail Technical Writer vs Rail Engineer?

AspectRail Technical WriterRail Engineer
CredentialsTechnical writing certifications, engineering knowledgeEngineering degrees, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, technical documentation settingsFieldwork, design, and maintenance sites
Industry UsageCreating manuals, safety procedures, technical documentsDesigning, constructing, maintaining rail systems

Rail Technical Writers focus on producing clear technical documentation, manuals, and safety procedures for the rail industry. Rail Engineers are involved in designing, building, and maintaining rail infrastructure. While both roles require technical knowledge and industry experience, the primary difference lies in their core responsibilities: documentation versus engineering design and implementation.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Technical Writer jobs?

For Rail Technical Writer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Technical Writer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Sr Technical Advisor Engineering - High Speed Rail

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

HNTB Corporation
1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


HNTB rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What We're Looking For
Join our rapidly growing firm in Downtown L.A! Work on the most important Infrastructure projects in the region. HNTB has roots in Southern California dating back to 1914 with the landmark design of Pasadena's historic Arroyo Seco Bridge. HNTB in Los Angeles has received many honors in recent years, including Employer of the Year in by Women's Transportation Seminar, American Council of Engineering Companies Firm of the Year, and Best Places to Work in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Business Journal. HNTB has partnered with nearly all agencies in Southern California over the years. The firm is currently serving as the lead architectural designer for the Automated People Mover stations, maintenance facility and prime designer for the complete redevelopment and expansion of United hub in terminals 7 and 8 at Los Angeles International Airport. Also Engineer and Executive Architect on record for the Sixth Street "Ribbon of Light" Bridge; and is the principal engineer and architect for Crenshaw/LA Transit Corridor.
At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
Join our team shaping the future of mobility by working on High-Speed Rail projects, connecting major cities across the state with cutting-edge rail technology. This opportunity entails being responsible for providing guidance and direction in area of expertise and functional discipline. This position supports the technical aspect of project development and delivery including proposal development, scope implementation and change management. Responsible for applying advanced engineering methods, techniques, and analyses to provide solutions, make recommendations and resolve issues. Ensures industry and HNTB standards of design are applied consistently and effectively across projects ranging in discipline, size and complexity. Independently applies knowledge and experience in partnership with internal project team members and external client counterparts. Serves as an advisor on complex projects to provide technical designs, plans and specifications. As a member of the team, you will contribute to the successful delivery of projects for HNTB's clients in California, including major transit agencies such as LA Metro, California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Metrolink, and others. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support planning, design, and implementation of complex transportation projects that enhance mobility and connectivity across the region.
What You'll Do:
  • Performs independent technical reviews, makes recommendations, and provides technical guidance as requested on complex or unusual engineering projects. Provides direction to resolve technical issues as requested.
  • Provides technical expertise and advice to project leadership, and mentoring/support to production staff.
  • Assists in marketing responsibilities, including proposal generation on complex or unusual engineering projects within discipline.
  • Coordinates technical aspects with client counterpart and teaming partners at local leadership level for work within and across disciplines on complex or unusual engineering projects.
  • Develops and advises on technical consistency within and across disciplines on processes and projects.
  • Ensures same standard and practices are being applied.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 12 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master's degree in Engineering and 11 year of relevant experience, or
  • PhD in Engineering and 10 years of relevant experience

What You'll Bring:
  • Serves as the lead technical engineer for large projects of a complex or unusual nature and is recognized as an expert in the technical field.
  • Experience with High-speed rail corridor design and rail systems integration.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to clients, is sought out for expertise in their given field, and serves as the differentiator for the firm against competition.
  • Represents the firm as a member of industry advisory committees.

What We Prefer:
  • Master's degree in Engineering
  • 20 years relevant experience; 8+ years high-speed rail or commuter rail experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) certification
  • Experience with high-speed rail projects in California
  • Familiar with California General Practices

Additional Information
Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards
Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
#AR #TransitAndRail #LI-AR1
Locations:
Los Angeles, CA (Figueroa Street)
The approximate pay range for Los Angeles Metro Area and Orange County, CA is $173,075.17 - $276,470.74. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.
The approximate nation wide pay range for this position is $150,500.15 - $300,511.68. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.
NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:
HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

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About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914