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Rail Track Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Hook Truck Driver

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... trips inspections. * Communicate with dispatcher throughout the day. * Log/track loads in our ... rails, will need to do as needed prior to leaving job site or yard. * Climb the attached metal ...

Hook Truck Driver

Renton, WA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... trips inspections. * Communicate with dispatcher throughout the day. * Log/track loads in our ... rails, will need to do as needed prior to leaving job site or yard. * Climb the attached metal ...

Track schedule performance, support cost control efforts, and prepare progress reports and ... years in transit, rail, or heavy civil infrastructure. Key Skills & Abilities: * Strong ...

Track schedule performance, support cost control efforts, and prepare progress reports and ... years in transit, rail, or heavy civil infrastructure. Key Skills & Abilities: * Strong ...

Track schedule performance, support cost control efforts, and prepare progress reports and ... years in transit, rail, or heavy civil infrastructure. Key Skills & Abilities: * Strong ...

Office Engineer (Transit)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

... rail and bus construction scopes. The Office Engineer supports the Resident Engineer in the ... Prepares progress payment estimates by reconciling Inspector-documented field quantities with the ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Track Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do rail track inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail track inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail track inspector?

Rail Track Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and maintaining railroad tracks to ensure they are safe and in good working condition. Their duties include inspecting tracks, switches, and related structures for defects or wear, documenting findings, and recommending or performing necessary repairs. They play a vital role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth, safe operation of trains. Rail Track Inspectors often work outdoors and may need to respond to emergencies or perform inspections at night or in adverse weather conditions.

What is the difference between Rail Track Inspector vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail Track InspectorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, outdoor settingsSignal systems, control rooms, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageRailroad companies, transit agenciesRailroad companies, transit agencies
Job FocusInspecting and maintaining track integrityMaintaining and repairing signal systems

Rail Track Inspectors and Signal Maintainers both work within the railroad industry, often for the same employers. While Rail Track Inspectors focus on inspecting and ensuring the safety of tracks, Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining and repairing signaling systems. Both roles require technical certifications and safety training, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly, with Inspectors primarily on the tracks and Maintainers working on signaling equipment.

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

To thrive as a Rail Track Inspector, you need a solid understanding of railroad safety, track structure, and maintenance standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized inspection tools, measurement devices, and reporting systems such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) compliance software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify issues, document findings, and coordinate repairs. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring rail safety, preventing accidents, and maintaining efficient rail operations.

What are the typical challenges rail track inspectors face in the field, and how are they addressed?

Rail Track Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain, and responding to urgent track issues that can disrupt rail service. These professionals must maintain high attention to detail while adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure the integrity of the rail infrastructure. Most employers support inspectors with specialized training, safety equipment, and technologies like track geometry cars or ultrasonic testing devices, which help identify issues efficiently. Collaboration with maintenance crews and clear communication with operations teams are also crucial in addressing and resolving track defects promptly.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Rail Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Track Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Rail Track Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,522 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

$165K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring a Resident Engineer to perform a wide variety of professional engineering work in either a field or office setting on a transit capital program covering rail and bus construction scopes. The Resident Engineer is directly responsible for administration of the program's construction contracts and reviews the work of Authority, State, and Contractors in accordance with the applicable Construction Manual and all governing specifications. The Resident Engineer reviews progress of the work to assure compliance with the contract documents. This will include progressive monitoring of materials and methods used as well as inspection of the finished products prior to acceptance. The Resident Engineer assures appropriate measurement, payments are made as necessary, and all project documentation is completed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Additionally, the Resident Engineer is responsible to pro-actively reviewing the contract documents to anticipate, identify, and/or prepare for any change orders needed to resolve conflicts and/or recommend improvements.


Responsibilities
  • Ensures safety of Authority employees, State employees, Contractor employees, as well as traveling public citizens by observing contractor's operations and traffic conditions, making recommendations, and taking corrective action when necessary.
  • Reviews contractor operations for compliance with OSHA regulations and Authority safety requirements, including work on or adjacent to active transit operations, rail right-of-way, and bus operating environments.
  • Provides direction to staff to ensure complete, accurate and timely contract records, pertaining to construction progress, job expenditures, budget programs, and work order balances, are maintained in accordance with the State and Federal regulations and laws.
  • Confers with contractors regarding compliance with plans and quality of work and construction activity.
  • Performs field inspections of contractor's work to determine compliance with plans, specifications, special provisions, utility agreements, etc.
  • Prepares reports, as well as reviews and incorporates the daily inspection reports from Field Inspectors, in documenting the Contractor's activities.
  • Maintains accurate and complete project records and ensures compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Calculates and documents field quantities for payment purposes.
  • Documents as-built condition of constructed facility.
  • Monitors project schedule and budget and reports as required to the Authority's Executive leadership.
  • Assists the Authority in the management of the project in such a manner as to maintain quality, schedule, and budget.
  • Prepares contract change orders for making alterations, deviations, additions to or deletions from the plans and specifications to ensure proper completion or construction of the contract.
  • Formulates, researches, and develops solutions for field conditions that necessitate a contract change order. This may include doing any necessary engineering re-design work.
  • Identifies the need for and prepares contract related documents for submission to the contractor.
  • Reviews CPM schedules. Identifies and mitigates project risks.
  • Completes a project daily diary of pertinent activities and discussions held regarding the progress of the contractor's work and interaction with the Project Executive.
  • Assists the Authority in the resolution and response to contractor disputes in a timely manner as provided by the contract.
  • Elevates to the Project Executive all disputes not resolved by the Resident Engineer and the Authority's Contract Administrator, if appropriate.
  • Prepares draft claim reports for the Authority's Vendor/Contract Management when required.
  • Coordinates with transit operations, maintenance, signals, track, and systems disciplines to ensure construction activities are sequenced to minimize impact on active service.
  • Ensure conformance with all Program contract documents.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington is required. Out of state licenses may be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Approximately 15+ years of experience in Construction Management of transit, rail, or transportation projects.
  • Experience as a Resident Engineer or Construction Manager on Public Works projects of at least $100M in value.
  • Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $165,000 to $190,000 per year (depending on qualifications)


What We Offer

Ramos Consulting Services, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, offers competitive benefits that support our employees in their life and career. This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to:

  • Employer-Provided Healthcare: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee base plans. We also provide a 40% employer contribution toward dependent or family coverage plans.
  • Paid Time Off: 120 hours of combined PTO and Sick Time annually, in addition to paid holidays.
  • Retirement Planning: Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax FSA/HSA options for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses to help manage out-of-pocket costs.
  • Employee Wellness & Support: 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential support for work-life balance, financial wellness, and emotional well-being.
  • National Resources & Career Growth: As part of the Colliers Engineering & Design national platform, employees have access to expanded technical resources, mentorship, and diverse career development opportunities across the Western United States and beyond.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington is required. Out of state licenses may be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Approximately 15+ years of experience in Construction Management of transit, rail, or transportation projects.
  • Experience as a Resident Engineer or Construction Manager on Public Works projects of at least $100M in value.
  • Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $165,000 to $190,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984