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Railroad Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Burns

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for ... Railroad & Transit Team Burns provides design and construction solutions to help maintain, improve ...

VHB

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real-world solutions ... You'll lead a team in developing signal engineering plans and specifications for a multitude of ...

Barrow Wise Consulting

Civil Engineer

MD · On-site

$70K - $150K/yr

The Civil Engineer will support Barrow Wise's Rail project and perform the following duties: * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement business-class rail project solutions

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Railroad Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$63.4K

$150.6K

How much do railroad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad engineer in Washington is $63,392.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $66,800.00 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.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for freight and passenger transportation. Employment opportunities often require technical skills, certifications, and experience operating trains or related equipment, with job stability influenced by the transportation industry’s growth and infrastructure investments.

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. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the routes they operate, and the job often requires certification and knowledge of safety protocols.
More about Railroad Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Engineer jobs in Washington?

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What job categories do people searching Railroad Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Engineer jobs in Washington are:

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For Railroad Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Railroad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,392 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Burns

Washington, DC • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Burns:
Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.
Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.
Railroad & Transit Team
Burns provides design and construction solutions to help maintain, improve, and expand the nation's railroad and transit infrastructure. We have designed the implementation of critical programs across the country, and support the renewed emphasis on a public transit-oriented lifestyle.
Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Railroad & Transit team in Washington, D.C.
SUMMARY
The Sr. Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field. Provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche technical areas. The Senior Engineer will spend the majority of their time developing technical expertise and supporting others. Must dispense knowledge to staff through mentoring or internal presentations. Provides the production of projects on-time, in budget with high technical quality and client satisfaction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensures that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.
  • Takes lead in developing design approaches and concepts on assigned projects and requests assistance from the senior technical staff when needed.
  • Performs specific engineering studies and design analyzes and assists the project manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates and project schedules.
  • Reviews shop drawings, record changes and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.
  • Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.
  • Develops innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality and production
  • Make and/or supervise the scoping, implementation and design of plans.
  • Plan other consultation services. Maintain highest quality of design and review.
  • Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.
  • Assists in proposal writing and client presentations for future work.
  • Provides feedback to Project Managers in regards to technical staff performance for mid and end-of-year review periods.
  • Develop a specialized niche of company's target markets.
  • Maintain overall group schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives and activity codes.
  • Is recognized by clients as an expert technical resource.
  • Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.
  • When directed by the President, Project Manager or Chief Engineer assumes other duties.
  • Sets technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegates design elements to Engineers. Designers and primarily retains most complex, high value tasks for self.
  • Mentors junior staff

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Informal task supervision of CAD Operators, Designers, Junior Associates, Associates, Engineers and Engineer IIs at the direction of the Project Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professionally Licensed Engineer with a Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 6 years of electrical design experience.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Professional Engineering License is required at this level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Progressive engineering experience working on tasks of high complexity on projects of various scales.
  • Experience producing Electrical Engineering deliverables, including design drawings, specifications, basis of design reports, calculations, and site assessment reports.
  • Proficient in performing Electrical Studies and Calculations (short circuit, selective coordination, arc flash, Load flow, Voltage Drop, C Photometric lighting, Ground Grid, etc.)
  • Proficient knowledge in the use of industry standard engineering software and tools such as AutoCAD or Revit, and other specialized design software as required.
  • Proficient in ETAP, SKM or Easy Power.
  • Knowledgeable in various industry codes and standards, including NEC, NESC, ANSI, and IEEE.
  • A broad understanding of other engineering disciplines is essential.
  • Ability to research and interpret engineering discipline codes and standards for non-routine, complex engineering tasks.
  • Proficient knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to a specific engineering discipline.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to interface with clients and team members.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills with a strong ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with both internal teams, cross-disciplinary teams, and external partners
  • Ability to develop and maintain client relationships.
  • Experience providing technical guidance, training, and feedback to early career employees.
  • Strong critical thinking skills with a proven ability to independently solve moderately complex problems with minimal supervision
  • Previous experience in consulting is highly preferred.
  • Previous experience in substation design is a plus.
  • Previous experience in Design-Build projects is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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