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Railroad Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$105K/yr

Ability to share knowledge of signal standards with clients, FRA inspectors, railroad employees, and other RailPros employees. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or ...

Ability to share knowledge of signal standards with clients, FRA inspectors, railroad employees, and other RailPros employees. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or ...

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

Williamsburg, VA ยท On-site

$105K/yr

Ability to share knowledge of signal standards with clients, FRA inspectors, railroad employees, and other RailPros employees. * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or ...

Develop and troubleshoot applications using PowerBuilder, Korn shell, and Ruby on Rails ... Proficiency in Ruby programming and the Ruby on Rails framework, along with strong experience in ...

Develop and troubleshoot applications using PowerBuilder, Korn shell, and Ruby on Rails ... Proficiency in Ruby programming and the Ruby on Rails framework, along with strong experience in ...

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 ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Description We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to develop innovative equipment and mechanical systems that support railroad emergency response, heavy lifting, and specialized ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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:
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.

Rail Systems Project Manager 2

RailPros

Williamsburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who WE are:ย 

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to Americaโ€™s rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customersโ€™ challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people-first organization, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives.ย 

Our mission is to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, passengers, and partner companies. We do more than just provide services โ€“ we are constantly innovating and staying informedof industry developments to help our customers succeed. Join us in our shared goal of keeping America moving and ensuring customer satisfaction in an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Apply now and become a part of our exciting journey!ย 

Job Summary

The Rail Systems Project Manager 2 manages rail systems projects of moderate complexity and scope. This role applies advanced project management and technical knowledge to plan, coordinate, and execute projects involving rail signaling systems, communications networks, control systems, and integrated transportation technologies.

The Rail Systems Project Manager 2 is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with client requirements while coordinating multidisciplinary teams including engineering, production, testing/commissioning, and field staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead a project team for the organization
  • Keep informed of new developments and requirements affective the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications
  • Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate assignments
  • Manage rail systems projects from initiation through completion.
  • Develop and maintain project management plans including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams including engineers, signal specialists, technicians, and field personnel.
  • Coordinate design development, procurement, production, factory testing, field installation, and commissioning activities.
  • Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions when schedule or budget deviations occur.
  • Manage project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects.
  • Lead project meetings, technical reviews, and client presentations.
  • Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and rail agencies.
  • Review technical deliverables to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
  • Manage change orders, contract modifications, and scope adjustments.
  • Oversee project documentation including progress reports, schedules, and financial tracking.
  • Support business development activities including proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical input when required.
  • Ensure project compliance with applicable railroad standards, safety regulations, QA/QC requirements, and client requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Proficient with electronic communications including e-mail and text as well as standard office applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Lead Project Meetings and make presentations
  • Ability to travel to various locations to meet with clients and/or staff.
  • Ability to read and understand signal construction plan sets, submittals, RFIs, and other construction related documents.
  • Ability to manage schedules, budgets, project resources, and field personnel.
  • Possesses effective verbal and written communication skills.

Required Education and Experience

  • Have advance knowledge of track circuits, wayside signals, switch machines, and grade crossing equipment.
  • Minimum 4 to 8 yearsโ€™ experience in integration or construction management with a minimum of 3 years in the rail industry.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Ability to share knowledge of signal standards with clients, FRA inspectors, railroad employees, and other RailPros employees.
  • A Bachelorโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Electronic Engineering is the industry standard.
  • Degrees in Construction Management or Business Administration are acceptable only if paired with significant technical signaling experience.

Additional Qualifications, Certifications, etc.

  • Valid driverโ€™s license required.
  • PMP or similar certifications.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Oversee engineering, production and testing/commissioning teams on a project level.
  • Plan, schedule, or coordinate the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or is responsible for an entire program of an organization
  • Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures

Why Work at RailPros?Build Your Career Where Culture Leads the Wayย 

  • Aย PeopleFirstย Culture (Caring): At RailPros,ย youโ€™reย more than an employee โ€”ย youโ€™reย part of a team driven by genuine care and respect. Our Align29 pillar ofCaring reflects our deep commitment to supporting your growth, wellbeing, and success every step of the way. We put people at the center of every decision becauseyou are what makes RailPros exceptional.ย 

  • A Workplace Where Your Voice Matters (Sharing): Great ideas thrive where communication flows. OurSharing culture encourages transparency, active dialogue, and collaboration across every level of the company. Here,ย youโ€™reย empowered to speak up, share insights, and help shape our future.ย 

  • A Company Invested in Your Growth (Progress): RailPros is constantly evolving โ€” and so are the opportunities for you to grow with us. Through continuous improvement of our systems, processes, and operations, ourProgress pillar ensures you have the tools and support to excel, innovate, and build aย longtermย career.ย 

  • An Innovative, IndustryLeading Environment (Innovation): Join a team thatย isnโ€™tย just keeping up with the industry โ€”ย weโ€™reย pushing it forward. OurInnovation pillar fuels creativeย problemsolving, modern technology adoption, and breakthrough thinking that positions RailPros as a leader in the rail and transit space. Your ideas will help shape the future ofย rail.ย 

  • A Culture of Excellence You Can Feel: Align29ย isnโ€™tย just a strategy โ€”ย itโ€™sย our identity. Our commitment to Caring, Sharing, Progress, and Innovation creates a culture where employees are inspired to contribute, collaborate, and thrive.ย Itโ€™sย the difference that makes RailPros more than just a workplace โ€” it makes us a community built on excellence and sharedย purpose.ย 

Benefits & Perks:ย 

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.ย 

  • Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee-to-family coverage.ย 

  • Legal Shield/ID Shield, Pet Insurance:Added protection for youโ€ฆand your pets too.ย 

  • Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-paid withย additionalย voluntary options available.ย 

  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, includes pre and post deduction options.ย 

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year.ย 

  • Paid Holidays: For full-time employees.ย 

  • Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources.ย 

  • Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services.ย 

  • Company Merchandise Allowance: Company-funded allowance for our online store.ย 

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match.ย 

  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer-funded.ย 

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses.ย 

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.ย 

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.ย 

  • Balanced Work Environment: A culture that respects boundaries so employees can recharge and bring their best selves to work.ย 

  • Tuition Reimbursement: To support your continued education or professional development.ย 

  • Professional & Career Growth:Through mentorship, continuous training, career path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning.ย 

  • Culture & Recognition: Including employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthlyย newhireย calls, monthly newsletter, feedbackย surveys , and quarterly town halls.ย 

Join RailPros:Choose a career where your work truly matters. At RailPros,ย youโ€™llย be part of a stable, growing industry and a team driven by strongย core values. We collaborate, innovate, and stay ahead of industry changes to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our culture is built on trust, continuous improvement, and practicalย problem-solving.Ifย youโ€™reย passionate about making an impact and want to grow with a dedicated, supportive team,joinย us and contribute to our success.ย 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):ย 

RailProsย providesย equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless suchย accommodations wouldย impose undue hardship on our business operations. If you are considering applying for a job and requireย a reasonableย accommodationย in accordance withย the ADA, please reach out to us atpeopleoperations@railpros.com. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all employees.ย 

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