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Rail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Zephyr Rail Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction ...

Rail Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Wilson & Company is seeking a Rail Engineer with experience in freight rail, rail track, terminal/intermodal, and related civil infrastructure design. This role will support rail projects from ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Coordinating rail systems designs for complex rail projects. * Stay well-informed and curious about the industry, in particular the pros and cons of different technologies and products. * Growing ...

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Rail Car Repair

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Benecia rail yard seeking Rail Car Repairman. Primary duties include routine maintenance, repairs and patch work. *** Stick Welding, Torch Welding *** Pay based on experience. WE HAVE MULTIPLE ...

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

GFT is seeking a Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in one of the following SoCAL offices: Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Diego, CA ! This role follows a hybrid work model ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rail information

See California salary details

$20

$25

$29

How much do rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail in California is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail worker?

Rail workers are professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing railway systems, including trains, tracks, and related infrastructure. They may work as train operators, conductors, track maintenance workers, signal operators, or in other supporting roles. Their duties ensure the safe and efficient movement of passengers and freight by rail. Rail workers often work in shifts and may need to respond to emergencies or perform inspections to ensure safety standards are met.

What is the difference between Rail vs Train Conductor?

AspectRailTrain Conductor
CredentialsVaries; often includes safety certifications and rail industry trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety and operational training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, maintenance facilities, and sometimes on the rail tracksOnboard trains, stations, and depots
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, freight and passenger rail servicesPassenger train services, rail companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Rail workers and Train Conductors operate within the rail industry, Rail roles often involve maintenance, safety, and yard operations, whereas Train Conductors focus on passenger service and train operation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the rail industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the rail industry, and how can they be addressed?

Rail industry professionals often encounter challenges such as strict safety regulations, tight project deadlines, and the need to coordinate with multiple teams, including operations, maintenance, and engineering. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a solid understanding of regulatory requirements and fostering a collaborative work environment can help professionals effectively manage daily responsibilities and contribute to the smooth operation of rail services.

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

To thrive as a Rail Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, often with a relevant degree and professional accreditation. Familiarity with CAD software, railway signaling systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail infrastructure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail jobs in California? The most popular types of Rail jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Rail jobs in California? For Rail jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rail jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Rail jobs? Cities in California with the most Rail job openings:
Infographic showing various Rail job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,626 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Wilson Sporting Goods rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 61 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Wilson & Company is seeking a Rail Project Manager to lead freight rail, track, terminal, intermodal, industrial, yard, main line, and related civil infrastructure projects. This client-focused seller-doer will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, project controls, mentor technical staff, and strengthen long-term rail client relationships from concept development through final design and construction support.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects.
  • Define and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, work plans, staffing needs, deliverables, and project execution strategies.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project stakeholders.
  • Oversee development of technical reports, analyses, design plans, design criteria, specifications, estimates, schedules, contract documents, project guides, meeting notes, project controls, and other deliverables.
  • Provide quality oversight, perform or coordinate detailed QC reviews, and ensure project work complies with client standards, AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad/transit criteria, applicable codes, regulatory requirements, and established design criteria.
  • Coordinate field assessments, site visits, stakeholder meetings, construction reviews, and construction-phase support activities as needed.
  • Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, designers, and junior project staff while promoting collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
  • Support proposal development, scope and fee preparation, interviews, client presentations, and business development initiatives for future rail opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline, Professional Engineer license.
  • 10+ years of progressive rail, freight rail, rail track, terminal, intermodal, transit, or related civil infrastructure experience.
  • Experience serving as project manager or deputy project manager on rail or transportation infrastructure projects on Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, intermodal facilities, rail-served industrial sites, yards, terminals, main line projects, public agencies, or transit agencies.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating with clients, railroads, agencies, subconsultants, and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of engineering standards, permitting processes, regulatory requirements, contract documents, project controls, and client-specific design criteria, including railroad and transportation industry criteria such as AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad criteria, transit criteria and applicable freight rail or transportation design standards.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed for project assignments, client coordination, and site visits.
  • Familiarity with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or similar CADD/modeling platforms used by rail design teams.
  • Proven ability to develop client relationships, win work, prepare proposals, negotiate scope and fees, and identify future project opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, build high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery.

Annual salary range: $130,000-$175,000 (Depending onexperience, qualifications, licensure, role level, and location.

Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently sponsoring applicants for work visas.

About Us:

For nearly a century, Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects, has provided award-winning engineering, architecture, planning, environmental, surveying, geospatial, and construction management services. With employees across multiple offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Western regions in the United States, we bring people together to practice their craft, create value, and accomplish great things.

Guided by our purpose, we help clients move from concept to completion, transforming unused spaces into productive places, underutilized facilities into efficient ones, and rural or urban challenges into achievable solutions.

At Wilson & Company, we focus on your specific needs, delivering excellence with lasting Higher Relationships in mind. By employing our core values, discipline, intensity, collaboration, shared ownership, and solutions-we create genuine experiences and lasting connections for our clients, employees, and communities.

We support our employees' success and well-being with a comprehensive benefits package, including options for health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. We are proud to be an EEO employer and maintain a drug-free workplace, conducting pre-employment background checks.

Join us and be part of a culture committed to helping you achieve personal and professional success.


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