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Rail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rail Lead - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300K - $380K/yr

Arcadis seeks a Rail Lead to join our team in California , in this role you will serve as a senior technical and managerial leader responsible for overseeing all rail systems and track-related ...

Role Description Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of dedicated professionals. Step into a high-impact leadership role where your expertise ...

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$104K - $180K/yr

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

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$104K - $180K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Rail information

See California salary details

$20

$25

$29

How much do rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Rail jobs in California?

The most popular types of Rail jobs in California 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,626 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Project Manager - Rail and Transit

Parsons Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$148K - $266K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 451 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Parsons is looking for a Rail Systems Lead to lead and grow the Parsons' Systems team in the US West Region. We are looking for a professional engineer with specific expertise in rail signaling, communications and/or traction power. With more than 50 rail and transit projects currently underway across the United States, along with a robust pipeline of upcoming pursuits, you will have numerous opportunities to contribute to and lead the delivery of signature transportation projects throughout North America. In particular, there are opportunities throughout the Western United States where you would provide direction and management for large scale projects. You will drive the marketing and pursuit strategy, scope development, scope management and staffing of rail transit projects. We anticipate this Rail Systems Lead will be based out of one of our California offices or our Seattle, Washington office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
  • Lead and grow Parsons' Rail Systems teams across the Western United States, providing strategic leadership and technical direction for a multidisciplinary team of rail systems professionals.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with transit agencies, rail operators, contractors, technology providers, and industry partners.
  • Serve as a senior leader for major rail and transit pursuits, including development of winning strategies, proposal preparation, staffing plans, organizational structures, technical approaches, and project delivery strategies.
  • Manage the design, integration, and implementation of rail systems including train control, communications, traction power, overhead contact systems, SCADA, facilities systems, and related infrastructure on a large project or program valued over $500M in total installed cost.
  • Provide oversight and technical leadership for the delivery of complex rail and transit systems projects, ensuring successful execution of the rail systems scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client objectives.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams across multiple offices and geographic regions, coordinating engineering resources to efficiently deliver complex projects and programs.
  • Provide strategic direction and technical support for systems engineering, systems integration, requirements management, configuration management, systems assurance, safety certification, testing and commissioning activities across projects.
  • Foster collaboration between technical disciplines, operations, maintenance, construction, and client stakeholders to ensure successful integration of all project elements into a safe and reliable operating railway.
  • Mentor and develop emerging technical and project leaders, supporting succession planning and long-term growth of the Rail Systems practice.

WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING:
  • 4-year degree in Electrical Engineering (or related technical discipline)
  • Registered Professional Engineer
  • 15-20+ years of related work experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary rail systems design and delivery teams on major transit and railway infrastructure programs.

Proven experience managing the design, integration, and delivery of one or more of the following rail systems:
  • Traction Power Systems
  • Signaling and Train Control Systems
  • Communications Systems, or other related disciplines.
  • Proven ability to work on project proposals to identify and integrate winning strategies
  • Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and successfully lead project teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Security Clearance Requirement:
None
This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.
For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!
Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $266,900.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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