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Railroad Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Management Services

Railroad Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

PRS Auto is hiring immediately for a Railroad Conductor & Engineer to join our team at the Union Pacific Houston, TX Auto Terminal! PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. We are looking for ambitious, capable ...

Rail Management Services

Railroad Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

PRS Auto is hiring immediately for a Railroad Conductor & Engineer to join our team at the Union Pacific Houston, TX Auto Terminal! PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. We are looking for ambitious, capable ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof projects serving transit, industrial, freight, and passenger/commuter rail clients. You will have ...

Saint Louis Zoo

Railroad Engineer

Saint Louis, MO

$15.50/hr

... Railroad and employee shuttles. Duties include light maintenance, cleaning and driving the train ... An Engineer must be able to maneuver guests using wheelchairs on and off trains and able to stand ...

Saint Louis Zoo

Railroad Engineer

Saint Louis, MO

$15.50/hr

... Railroad and employee shuttles. Duties include light maintenance, cleaning and driving the train ... An Engineer must be able to maneuver guests using wheelchairs on and off trains and able to stand ...

Saint Louis Zoo

Railroad Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15.50/hr

... Railroad and employee shuttles. Duties include light maintenance, cleaning and driving the train ... An Engineer must be able to maneuver guests using wheelchairs on and off trains and able to stand ...

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Railroad Engineer information

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How much do railroad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad engineer in the United States is $55,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Railroad Engineer Do?

A railroad engineer drives trains along routes to deliver passengers or cargo to different destinations. As a locomotive engineer, your job duties include controlling the speed of the train to account for weather and track conditions, monitoring controls and equipment, maintaining train inspection logs, communicating with other railroad employees in person and over the radio, managing time to keep trains on schedule, and responding appropriately to emergency situations. You must be able to think logically and make quick decisions. You also need strong time management and communication skills to work as a railroad engineer.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Engineer, you need a solid understanding of train operations, safety regulations, and mechanical systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a railroad training program. Familiarity with locomotive control systems, signaling technology, and compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing emergencies and coordinating with dispatchers and crew. These skills ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains, protect public safety, and minimize operational delays.

What are some common challenges a Railroad Engineer may face during their daily operations?

Railroad Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected delays due to track obstructions, adverse weather conditions, and mechanical issues with locomotives. They must remain vigilant and adaptable, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed while communicating effectively with dispatchers, conductors, and maintenance crews. Additionally, managing fatigue during long shifts and adhering to strict schedules under time pressure can be demanding, making time management and situational awareness essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Railroad Engineer vs Locomotive Operator?

AspectRailroad EngineerLocomotive Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, safety certifications, technical trainingSimilar certifications, often overlapping with railroad engineer requirements
Work EnvironmentRailroads, train yards, on tracks, in control roomsOn locomotives, train yards, and sometimes in control centers
Employer & IndustryRailroad companies, freight and passenger rail servicesRailroad companies, freight and passenger services

Railroad engineers and locomotive operators often share similar certifications and work environments, both operating trains within the railroad industry. However, railroad engineers typically have more responsibilities related to train operation and safety protocols, whereas locomotive operators may focus more on the physical operation of the train. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient rail transportation.

More about Railroad Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Railroad Engineer jobs? The top employers for Railroad Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Railroad Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Engineer jobs? For Railroad Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Railroad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 79% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,971 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Railroad Engineer

Railroad Engineer

Rail Management Services

Houston, TX • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

PRS Auto is hiring immediately for a Railroad Conductor & Engineer to join our team at the Union Pacific Houston, TX Auto Terminal!
PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.  We are looking for ambitious, capable, and skilled team members to join our nationwide crew. We offer a team-oriented atmosphere with quality employee benefits, and room to grow your career!  We have multiple shifts available both day and night.

Apply Online or in Person at the work location:
PRS Auto (UP Houston Railroad)
20909 West Hardy Rd
Houston, TX 77073
Pay: $17-18 per hour to start
Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your 90-day probationary period)
  • Affordable Healthcare, Free Dental, cheap Vision Benefits.
  • Free Life Insurance.
  • Paid holidays, paid personal days.
  • Boot reimbursement.
  • 401K.
  • Vacation Pay.
  • Weekly Pay.
  • Travel Opportunities.
  • Automobile Manufacturer Discounts.
  • Safety Incentives and Bonus programs.

APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45 minute commute of our business location. OUT OF AREA candidates and/or those requiring a relocation will NOT be considered.
Job Summary
The Conductor and Engineer are responsible for the movement of rail equipment to ensure the accurate placement of rail cars that will facilitate the loading and unloading of trains in the rail yard.
Various shifts available both day and night (Typically 8-12 hr shifts depending on workload) 

Job Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for assisting the Train Engineer with the movement of rail equipment (locomotives, rail cars, tracks, etc.) within the rail yard in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Maintain an efficient and orderly rail yard by moving rail cars and freeing rail tracks for incoming rail traffic.
  • Manage rail track switches to direct rail cars to appropriate tracks.
  • Ability to connect and disconnect rail air hoses as needed to consolidate rail cars efficiently.
  • Lead job briefings with the Supervisors and crew prior to work beginning.
  • Ensures compliance is met under HAZMAT and OSHA Regulations. This includes reporting any incidents to the supervisory immediately.
  • The conductor is required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as a safety vest, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety toe boots.
  • Responsible for maintaining clear communication with Train Engineer/Operator and other crew members while moving locomotives with either verbal, hand, or radio signals.
  • Participates in daily safety briefings.
  • Inspects all rail equipment to ensure there is no damage and notify the operator and supervisor immediately if there is.
  • Handles all rail equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Maintain awareness and organization within the rail yard, including attention to the ground surface (potholes, debris, and/or slippery conditions).

Minimum Qualifications:
  • You must have a valid driver's license.
  • Prior Conductor / Engineer experience is required. 
  • You must have advanced knowledge of the railroad industry from vocational education, apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or similar experience.
  • You must be able to pass a vision and hearing test.
  • You must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with a variety of individuals.

Work Environment Requirements:
  • Job duties are performed in an ambient outdoor environment, which would include varying conditions (rain, snow, ice, heat, wind, cold, etc).
  • This position requires that you travel throughout the yard and the transfer station either by walking and/or driving.
  • The noise level in the work environment is loud and this noise is continuous.
  • You must have the ability to work in an environment which can be hazardous at times.  
  • You must have the physical ability to see and hear fast-moving equipment and be able to move so that you can remain safe always.

You will be an employee of PRS Auto and not an employee of the Railroad.