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Rail Transit Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cordoba Corporation

Senior Transit Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$180K - $225K/yr

Perform railroad, transit, and/or civil engineering/design planning, analysis, and design aspects of rail and rail-related transportation projects. * Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of ...

Cordoba Corporation

Senior Transit Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$180K - $225K/yr

Perform railroad, transit, and/or civil engineering/design planning, analysis, and design aspects of rail and rail-related transportation projects. * Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of ...

Poutrix

Project Director - Rail Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and technical teams to define scopes, allocate ... rail projects. Proven track record leading transit projects valued at $300 million or more.

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

... BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects. * Assist in the development of project plans ... Select appropriate materials and prepare engineering specifications for road construction and ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

... BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects. * Assist in the development of project plans ... Select appropriate materials and prepare engineering specifications for road construction and ...

Arcadis

Project Director - Rail Transit

Los Angeles, CA

$250K - $300K/yr

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

... BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects. * Assist in the development of project plans ... Select appropriate materials and prepare engineering specifications for road construction and ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

... BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects. * Assist in the development of project plans ... Select appropriate materials and prepare engineering specifications for road construction and ...

Arcadis

Project Director - Rail Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

AECOM

Project Manager (Rail and Transit)

Oakland, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager to support major rail and transit capital programs in the Bay ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, project management, business, or a related field. * 10+ ...

AECOM

Project Manager (Rail and Transit)

Oakland, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager to support major rail and transit capital programs in the Bay ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, project management, business, or a related field. * 10+ ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRail Transit Engineer JobsRail Transit Engineer Jobs in California

Rail Transit Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do rail transit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail transit engineer in California is $110,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges rail transit engineers face when working on large-scale transit projects?

Rail Transit Engineers often encounter challenges related to coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, such as civil, electrical, and signaling engineers, to ensure all systems integrate seamlessly. Managing project timelines while addressing unexpected site conditions, regulatory requirements, or design changes can also be demanding. Additionally, balancing cost-efficiency with safety and sustainability standards requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Effective communication and organization are key to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring project success.

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

AspectRail Transit EngineerRail Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering; PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee construction, and ensure safety of rail transit projectsFocus on integrated rail system design, automation, and control systems
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, construction firms, engineering consultanciesTransportation technology firms, system integrators, transit authorities

Rail Transit Engineers primarily focus on the design and construction of rail infrastructure, ensuring safety and compliance. Rail Systems Engineers concentrate on the integration and automation of rail systems, including control and signaling. Both roles require engineering credentials and often collaborate but differ in their technical focus and work environment.

What is a rail transit engineer?

Rail Transit Engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the construction and maintenance of rail transit systems, such as subways, light rail, and commuter trains. They ensure that rail infrastructure is safe, efficient, and meets regulatory standards. Their work involves collaborating with architects, urban planners, and government agencies to develop rail routes, stations, and related facilities. Rail Transit Engineers also address technical challenges like signaling systems, track alignment, and integration with other transportation networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail transit engineer?

To thrive as a Rail Transit Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, rail design standards, and project management tools is crucial for designing and overseeing transit projects. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex engineering challenges. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable rail transit systems that meet regulatory and operational requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Transit Engineer jobs in California?

For Rail Transit Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Transit Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Transit Engineer jobs in California are:

Rail Transit Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Transit Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Senior Transit Engineer

Cordoba Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$180K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Cordoba Corporation, a leading civil engineering firm based in California, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Senior Transit Engineer to play a pivotal role in our Transportation Sector. The candidate must have a minimum of 10 years' experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects. 


  • Serve as project manager or discipline lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects and other offices to support the transportation sector and other sectors as needed.   
  • Support the firm by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities. 
  • Manage scope, budget, and schedule, as well as the development of design criteria, specifications, project guides, project meeting notes, and cost-estimating activities.   
  • Perform railroad, transit, and/or civil engineering/design planning, analysis, and design aspects of rail and rail-related transportation projects.   
  • Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of projects.   
  • Support Project Managers by leading or participating in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.   
  • Attend industry events and represent the firm as needed.   
  • Manage, supervise, mentor younger staff, and support technical development.  
  • Periodic travel for client visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections, as needed 
  • Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.   
  • Provide leadership across technical disciplines.  
  • Perform other duties as needed. 

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field 
  • Minimum 10 years' experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects 
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License in California 
  • Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects 
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Software) 
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Minimum 15 years' experience in civil design experience with at least 5 years within the rail and/or transit engineering industry and 2 years within managing railway or civil projects 
  • Proven, hands-on experience in all aspects of railroad and/or civil design projects. 
  • Skilled in railroad horizontal and vertical alignments, earthwork modeling, drainage design, and plan production 
  • Knowledge of railroad analysis programs, and railroad and/or civil design software. 
  • Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering and/or other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria. 
  • Demonstrated leadership, strong communication,organizational, listening, mentoring and project management skills.

Apply