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Railroad Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Railway Senior Construction Manager

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$141K - $170K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or similar degree, specializing in construction/engineering ... Considerable knowledge of rail stations, bridges, facility, roadway, structure, traffic engineering ...

Dewberry

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Gainesville, VA

$97K - $127K/yr

Projects may be within railway right-of-way, therefore working knowledge of railway systems is ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or similar degree, specializing in construction/engineering ...

Dewberry

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$111K - $130K/yr

Projects may be within railway right-of-way, therefore working knowledge of railway systems is ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or similar degree, specializing in construction/engineering ...

RailPros

$13 - $17.25/hr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed ...

RailPros

$13 - $17.25/hr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed ...

Guardian Rail, LLC

Conductor/Engineer

Radford, VA

Summary Description Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country's leading freight rail ... Our Conductor/Engineers are responsible for the operation and movement of locomotives and railcars ...

Plasser American Corp

FLUID POWER ENGINEER

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The ... Fluid power engineer applies fluid power theory and related knowledge to design, test and ...

Plasser American Corp

FLUID POWER ENGINEER

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The ... Fluid power engineer applies fluid power theory and related knowledge to design, test and ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Field Engineer

Arlington, VA

$80K - $100K/yr

As an experienced Field Engineer, you will leverage your technical knowledge to oversee critical ... This project will expand a current two-track rail corridor to four-tracks significantly reducing ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Field Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As an experienced Field Engineer, you will leverage your technical knowledge to oversee critical ... This project will expand a current two-track rail corridor to four-tracks significantly reducing ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Field Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K/yr

As an experienced Field Engineer, you will leverage your technical knowledge to oversee critical ... This project will expand a current two-track rail corridor to four-tracks significantly reducing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRailroad Engineer JobsRailroad Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Railroad Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$55.5K

$131.9K

How much do railroad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad engineer in Virginia is $55,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,700.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for freight and passenger transportation. Employment opportunities often depend on industry growth, infrastructure investments, and the ability to operate complex machinery safely, with certifications and experience enhancing job prospects.

How much do railroad engineers get paid?

Railroad engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced engineers and those working for major freight or passenger rail companies earning higher wages. Compensation can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the rail systems they operate, often requiring certification and safety training. Many engineers work full-time, including nights and weekends, due to the 24/7 nature of rail operations.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Railroad Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Railroad Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Railroad Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Railroad Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Engineer jobs in VA? For Railroad Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Railroad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,491 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Railway Senior Construction Manager

Dewberry

Gainesville, VA • On-site

$141K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Dewberry is currently seeking a Rail Construction Manager to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville, VA office, but will report to a project site, or multiple project sites daily. The successful candidate will be assigned to fulfill leadership positions on various construction projects.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
    • Assigned project elements may involve rail stations, facilities, bridges, structures, roadways and other transportation and infrastructure facilities. Projects may be within railway right-of-way, therefore working knowledge of railway systems is required
    • Duties may include reading and understanding contract language making recommendations for partial and final contractor payments
    • Organizing and managing a project team for execution of the assigned contract
    • Monitoring project budgets, supervising and managing personnel and making recommendations on project staffing
    • Analyzing and interpreting project plans and specifications to ensure project constructability, interpretation of unclear contract language
    • Performing work order time impact and claim analysis
    • Maintaining and report contractor's daily production rates
    • Preparation of independent construction estimates and managing the contractor payment process
    • Candidate may be required to conduct meetings such as a pre-construction conference, utility coordination meetings, construction progress meetings and others
    • Reviews inspection data, material test results, resolves test discrepancies and construction issues impacting quality of construction
    • Provides document management oversight to ensure project records are received and transferred to the project records management system

Required Skills & Required Experience
    • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or similar degree, specializing in construction/engineering management or equivalent experience
    • Minimum 10 years of experience in the management of station, bridge, roadway, facilities and/or infrastructure construction project within a railway event
    • Current CCM or ability to obtain such within 6 months of hire
    • Ability to work with and grow in a team environment
    • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills
    • Proficient with MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
    • Proficient computer, smartphone, and tablet skills and use of software and databases to optimize information collection and automate data collection and reporting.
    • Ability to learn new computer software and databases, i.e. Smartsheet, Box, TEAMs
    • Valid driver's license and qualified to drive company vehicle

Preferred qualifications
    • Considerable knowledge of rail stations, bridges, facility, roadway, structure, traffic engineering, utilities construction methods, procedures, practices, plans, specifications and contracts, materials used and performance, environmental, legal and safety responsibilities related to construction of transportation facilities
    • Working knowledge of system/communication elements for railroads
    • Working knowledge of AREMA standards
    • Working knowledge of VDOT and/or MSHA Road and Bridge Specifications, Road and Bridge Standards, Construction Manual, and Inspector Manual
    • Knowledge of the use of electronic data processing equipment and contract management software
    • Ability to create, review and evaluate project/contractor schedules in accordance with the contract requirements.
    • Ability to supervise and manage employee work groups
    • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contracts
    • Ability to prepare clear technical, financial, administrative and explanatory correspondences
    • Ability to establish and work to project budgets
    • Ability to establish a detailed scope of work and identify and capture activities that occur outside of the defined scope
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • Registered as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) through the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) or similar Construction Manager Certifications preferred
    • Preferred current registered Professional Engineer license (PE) in the Commonwealth of Virginia
    • VDOT/MSHA construction inspection experience including materials testing or construction inspection certifications also preferred

Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
Salary Range
The projected range for this position is $141,000-$170,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

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