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Railroad Contractor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and rail agencies. * Review technical deliverables to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards. * Manage change ...

Buyer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 ... Identify and implement procurement and contracting methods that align with VPRA requirements ...

Buyer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 ... Identify and implement procurement and contracting methods that align with VPRA requirements ...

Showing results 21-40

Railroad Contractor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$32

How much do railroad contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad contractor in Virginia is $24.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by railroad contractors on job sites?

Railroad Contractors commonly encounter challenges such as maintaining project timelines while adhering to strict safety regulations and managing the logistics of heavy equipment in variable weather conditions. Coordinating with multiple teams—including engineers, laborers, and regulatory inspectors—can also require flexibility and strong communication skills. Adapting to the unique requirements of each rail project, such as track layouts or environmental limitations, is another part of the job. However, these challenges contribute to a dynamic and rewarding work environment where every project presents new opportunities for problem-solving and professional growth.

What does a railroad contractor do?

A Railroad Contractor is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks, bridges, and related infrastructure. They work with rail companies and government agencies to ensure tracks are safe, operational, and meet regulations. This job often involves heavy machinery, surveying, welding, and track assembly. Railroad contractors may also handle rail-related earthwork, drainage, and signal systems. Their work is critical to ensuring efficient and reliable rail transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad contractor?

To thrive as a Railroad Contractor, you need strong expertise in railroad construction, civil engineering, project management, and familiarity with rail industry standards. Proficiency with construction management software, track-laying machinery, safety protocols, and often certifications such as OSHA or FRA compliance are essential. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are highly valued for coordinating diverse crews and working with stakeholders. These abilities ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to the precise technical standards required in the rail industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia? For Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Contractor jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Railroad Contractor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,247 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Resident Engineer - Rail

Michael Baker International

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Rail and Transit Practice

Whether moving people or freight, the future of rail and transit infrastructure is shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and increasing environmental priorities. Michael Baker International partners with freight railroads, transit authorities, and state departments of transportation (DOTs) to address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. We create value by first understanding our clients' needs, then working collaboratively to deliver innovative, practical, and costeffective construction and engineering solutions that optimize project outcomes and longterm performance.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking an experienced Resident Engineer to support our complex rail and transit construction management assignments. In this role, you will serve as the primary onsite representative for assigned projects, providing both technical leadership and handson construction oversight. You will work closely with the Construction managers, contractors, designers, inspectors, and client representatives to ensure that our projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in full compliance with contract requirements. This is a full-time, sitebased opportunity in Virginia, and is an ideal opportunity for an engineer who thrives in a fieldfocused, collaborative environment with direct responsibility for rail construction outcomes.

What You'll Do:

As a Resident Engineer on our team, you will be responsible for managing construction activities from pre-construction through project closeout, including:

  • Providing construction management services throughout all project phases, including design support, constructability reviews, value engineering, bidding assistance, resident inspection, scheduling, and commissioning
  • Reviewing major design and construction packages, including cost estimates and construction sequencing, during all design phases
  • Supporting bidding and procurement activities, including participation in pre-bid meetings
  • Serving as the primary point of contact between contractors, design consultants, and the client during construction
  • Managing project documentation, change management processes, CPM schedules, and safety monitoring
  • Leading construction-related meetings, including pre-construction, pre-installation, weekly progress, and cost control meetings
  • Tracking and reviewing submittals, RFIs, schedules, and change orders to identify risks, potential claims, or schedule impacts
  • Providing resident inspection services to monitor construction progress, quality, and compliance with plans and specifications
  • Conducting substantial and final completion inspections and developing punch lists
  • Overseeing contractor coordination to support start-up and commissioning activities, including verification of equipment installation, calibration, testing, and system performance
  • Managing project closeout activities and ensuring all contractual deliverables are completed

What You Need to Succeed:

  • 8-10+ years civil engineering / rail construction experience
  • A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management  or a related engineering or technical field
  • A current EIT Certification with intention to obtain PE License in the future
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to aid in basic construction administrative activities related to safety, quality, cost and schedule of various projects
  • Evaluation and maintenance of construction documents (drawings, specifications, materials testing reports and supporting documentation)
  • Ability to visit work sites, dialogue with field staff, gather data and report findings to supervisors.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office products and knowledge of scheduling software is preferred!
  • To be successful in this role, you'll need to be organized, driven, and determined. You will also need to be able to build relationships with a wide variety of people and work in a team environment with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing project obligations.  

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position $120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location. 

Why Choose Us:

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.


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