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Railroad Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SYSTRA

$114K - $139K/yr

Ranked 18th in US mass transit and rail design by Engineering News-Record (ENR), SYSTRA has been a trusted partner to public agencies and operators throughout the US since 1985 and employs nearly 200 ...

Dar Group

Senior Rail Track Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

The Track and Civil Engineer will lead the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit track infrastructure across the U.S. This role is ideal for an experienced rail engineering professional ...

Vast

PCB Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Multi-rail power delivery and high-speed signal integrity constraints. * Design constraint ... Senior PCB Design Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552

RailPros

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Apply knowledge of rail design principles to solve complex engineering challenges, including developing detailed construction cost estimates and project specifications. * Technical Support:

RailPros

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Apply knowledge of rail design principles to solve complex engineering challenges, including developing detailed construction cost estimates and project specifications. * Technical Support:

RailPros

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Apply knowledge of rail design principles to solve complex engineering challenges, including developing detailed construction cost estimates and project specifications. * Technical Support:

Zephyr Rail

Resident Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $239K/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 ...

Wilson & Company

Rail Engineer

San Bernardino, CA

$60K - $90K/yr

... railroad-related design experience preferred; additional experience may be considered for senior-level roles. * Proficiency with CADD and design software such as MicroStation, OpenRail Designer ...

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All JobsRailroad Design Engineer JobsRailroad Design Engineer Jobs in California

Railroad Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$86.5K

$159.1K

How much do railroad design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad design engineer in California is $86,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,753.00 and $107,715.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Railroad Design Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the transportation industry. Most engineering roles in this field have salaries significantly below that figure, with top executives or highly experienced specialists earning the highest compensation.

What is a Railroad Design Engineer job?

A Railroad Design Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and signaling systems. They ensure designs comply with safety regulations, engineering standards, and transportation requirements. This role involves using CAD software, analyzing terrain and materials, and collaborating with project teams to optimize rail systems for efficiency and durability.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers, also known as locomotive engineers, are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for freight transportation. Employment opportunities often require technical skills, certifications, and experience operating trains, with job stability influenced by the transportation industry’s growth and investment in rail systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Railroad Design Engineer?

As a Railroad Design Engineer, your daily tasks often include developing and reviewing design plans, performing alignment and track layout calculations, and preparing technical reports or presentations. You'll work closely with project managers, surveyors, and other engineers to coordinate project details, address challenges, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Site visits to assess existing infrastructure or support construction activities may also be part of your routine. Collaboration and clear communication are essential, as you'll be interacting with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Railroad Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Design Engineer, you should have a solid background in civil engineering, rail geometry, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and an EIT or PE license. Proficiency with CAD software (such as MicroStation or AutoCAD), track design tools, and industry standards (like AREMA guidelines) is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant railroad designs that meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

What does a rail design engineer do?

A rail design engineer plans and develops railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and related systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with standards. They use engineering software, analyze terrain, and collaborate with construction teams throughout project phases.
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Design Engineer jobs in California? For Railroad Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Railroad Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Railroad Design Engineer job openings:
Railroad Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,450 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Civil Design Engineer

SYSTRA

On-site, Remote

$114K - $139K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Company
SYSTRA delivers architecture, engineering and construction and program management services to our clients that offer public transportation, public education and public housing to our communities.
We partner with public transportation owners and operators of bridges, buses, commuter and intercity, high-speed and light rail, mass rapid transit and tunnels, helping them provide safe, efficient and reliable public transportation. SYSTRA also serves public facility authorities that provide safe, attractive, and environmentally sound public schools and offer affordable housing to communities. Ranked 18th in US mass transit and rail design by Engineering News-Record (ENR), SYSTRA has been a trusted partner to public agencies and operators throughout the US since 1985 and employs nearly 200 personnel nationwide.
Part of SYSTRA Group, a world-leading engineering and consulting firm, SYSTRA is supported by the over 10,500 employees worldwide. Using a collaborative approach built on the firm's value of Connected Teams, we provide our clients and partners access to the best skills worldwide via sharing information, tools, best practices, and processes.
Context
We're looking for a new Civil Design Engineer in our Infrastructure Group to help drive the objectives and challenges our valued clients have trusted us to solve for them. The ideal candidate will be based out of our Sacramento, CA project office, but may be permitted to work from other locations including the greater Los Angeles, CA area.
As a SYSTRA US Civil Design Engineer you will join a world-class team of high-performing engineers, designers, drafters and others who work collectively to ensure client projects continue to thrive while remaining on track and budget.
Missions/Main Duties
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist and lead in the development of various Civil Engineering studies, design, specifications.
  • Design, review, and analyze proposed drainage infrastructure to support rail transit improvements.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary review as needed to support project deliverables.
  • Perform quality control review of design calculations or drawings and prepare technical specification sections as required to advance civil design packages.

Profile/Skills
Required Qualifications:
  • Civil Engineer with a minimum of 10 years of experience with rail and transit projects (alignment, structures, facilities, stations, guideways)
  • BS in Civil Engineering
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License
  • Experience with CalTrans and/or California High Speed Rail projects
  • Experience in various software packages such as AutoCAD, BIM, Bentley, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • California PE
  • Other advanced degree(s)

SYSTRA USA provides a benefits package including medical, dental, 401k and other offerings that focus on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
SYSTRA USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law.
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Sponsorship assistance is not available for this position.
Salary Range: $114,540-139,355, SYSTRA USA is providing the compensation range that the company believes it might pay and/or offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location.

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