ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Railroad Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Review bridge design plans, calculations, shop drawings, working drawings, Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and construction work plans for technical accuracy and compliance with contract ...

AECOM

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Review bridge design plans, calculations, shop drawings, working drawings, Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and construction work plans for technical accuracy and compliance with contract ...

Hatch

Senior OCS Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Los Angeles, CA ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

Lochner

Airport Design Engineer

Sacramento, CA

... rail, transit, water, structural, environmental, and infrastructure solutions that connect ... Design of airport engineering projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, airfield lighting ...

Hatch

Senior OCS Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Los Angeles, CA ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

Hatch

Senior OCS Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Construction; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Los Angeles, CA ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

Zephyr Rail

Office Engineer - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $135K/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 ...

Zephyr Rail

Civil Inspector - Track/Rail

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$104K - $187K/yr

... engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are ...

Arup

Rail Systems Integration Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Is this role right for you? • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in engineering • Experience working directly with clients in a leadership role. • 12 years of railway design experience ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 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 is a railroad design engineer?

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.

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 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.

Are railroad design engineers in demand?

Railroad design engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for specialized skills in track layout, signaling, and safety systems. Employment opportunities are often linked to transportation infrastructure investments and require knowledge of CAD software and industry standards.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,450 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer

Zephyr U A S Inc

Orange, CA • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

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 management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned the Zweig Group’s recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for three consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.

Job Summary

As a Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer, you will be key to our design team, leading drainage design, water resources engineering, and hydraulic modeling for complex rail projects, especially for Class I railroads, commuter rail, and transit authorities. You will create engineering solutions, prepare technical reports, support permitting, and collaborate across teams. Your duties include technical analyses, developing drainage solutions, producing detailed reports, designing stormwater systems, and ensuring project compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HY-8, and CivilStorm.
  • Design stormwater systems, culverts, channel improvements, and erosion control measures for rail infrastructure.
  • Conduct floodplain assessments and support FEMA submittals and USACE Section 404 permit applications.
  • Prepare drainage reports, technical memoranda, and plan sets in coordination with project teams.
  • Support QA/QC efforts and mentor junior staff as needed.
  • Interface with clients, Class I railroads, public agencies, and municipalities.
Representative Projects at Zephyr Rail
  • Hydraulic modeling and culvert design supporting LA Metro, Metrolink (SCRRA), CSX, UPRR, and BNSF corridor improvements.
  • Floodplain mitigation for new rail bridge construction in FEMA-regulated areas.
  • Stormwater management design for rail siding extensions, yard capacity improvements, and Quiet Zone projects.
  • Drainage and hydraulic analysis for at-grade crossing upgrades.
  • Emergency drainage assessments related to failed culverts, scour concerns, and storm damage.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering (or a related field).
  • Minimum of 5 years of H&H experience, with at least 7 years in Class I railroads (such as UPRR, BNSF, NS, and CSX), commuter rail, or light rail transit projects.
  • California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is mandatory; California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
  • Proficiency with H&H modeling tools and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
  • Working knowledge of railroad drainage standards, FEMA guidelines, and relevant permitting processes.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Base Salary - $140,000 - $200,000 DOE.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 100% employer-paid for employees; 50% for dependents.
  • Retirement – 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Vacation.
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Paid Sick Time.

At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply