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Railroad Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Regional Lead - Rail Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in railroad engineering and project delivery, along with demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams, mentoring staff, developing ...

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in railroad engineering and project delivery, along with demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams, mentoring staff, developing ...

RUBY ON RAILS DEVELOPER

Detroit, MI · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Learn Full stack web development using Ruby on Rails, AngularJS, HTML5, CSS3, SASS, HAML/Slim ... engineering is preferred. Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...

RUBY ON RAILS DEVELOPER

Detroit, MI · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Learn Full stack web development using Ruby on Rails, AngularJS, HTML5, CSS3, SASS, HAML/Slim ... engineering is preferred. Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential ...

Ruby on Rails Developer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$60 - $100/hr

Seeking Ruby on Rails web developer to develop advanced web application in Linux (LAMP) environment. Duties include ground-up development of new applications as well as continued development and/or ...

Conductor

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

... engineer or grounds person. This includes but is not limited to working as a team to operate switches and derails, coupling and uncoupling rail cars, managing air hoses, and applying or releasing ...

Conductor

Escanaba, MI

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

... engineer or grounds person. This includes but is not limited to working as a team to operate switches and derails, coupling and uncoupling rail cars, managing air hoses, and applying or releasing ...

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Railroad Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$48.8K

$115.9K

How much do railroad engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad engineering in Michigan is $48,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,600.00 and $51,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is railroad engineering?

Railroad engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems. This includes the development of tracks, bridges, tunnels, signaling systems, and related infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient train operations. Railroad engineers work on both freight and passenger rail networks, addressing challenges such as track alignment, load distribution, and environmental impact. Their expertise is essential for the expansion and modernization of rail transportation, which plays a crucial role in moving people and goods.

What are some common challenges railroad engineers face when working on infrastructure projects?

Railroad engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to strict safety regulations, and managing construction schedules that minimize disruption to rail services. Projects can involve working in remote or harsh environments, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, engineers must stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and standards to ensure rail systems remain efficient and safe.

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 strong background in civil or mechanical engineering, knowledge of rail systems, and often a relevant engineering degree or professional licensure (PE). Familiarity with CAD software, rail design tools, and safety regulations (such as FRA standards) is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design, construction, and maintenance of rail infrastructure.

What is the difference between Railroad Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectRailroad EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Railroad Engineering or Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentRailroad construction sites, track maintenance, infrastructure projects specific to railroadsVaried environments including roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in railroad companies, transit agencies, infrastructure firmsBroad industry including transportation, construction, urban planning

Railroad Engineering focuses specifically on designing, constructing, and maintaining railway systems, while Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Railroad Engineering is specialized for rail systems.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and safety requirements in the rail industry. Employment opportunities often require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety protocols, with job stability influenced by transportation infrastructure investments.

What does a railroad engineer do?

A railroad engineer operates and controls trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight. They monitor equipment, follow schedules, and adhere to safety protocols, often working long hours and requiring certification or licensing. Their role involves inspecting trains, managing signals, and responding to operational issues in a rail yard or on the track.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Engineering jobs in Michigan?

For Railroad Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Engineering jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Engineering jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 82% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,784 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Regional Lead - Rail Engineer

Mannik Smith Group

Detroit, MI • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Mannik & Smith Group rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Regional Lead – Rail Engineer

Department: Transportation

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Detroit, MI

Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000 / year

Description

At Horrocks, we believe the best work comes from companies with values, that our people are our greatest resource, and that we have a responsibility to the communities where we live and work. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Regional Lead – Rail Engineer to help lead and grow our rail practice across multiple regions throughout the United States. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership, supporting business development efforts, managing key client relationships, and overseeing successful delivery of rail projects across a regional portfolio.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in railroad engineering and project delivery, along with demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams, mentoring staff, developing business, and supporting regional growth initiatives. This position will play a key role in expanding Horrocks’ rail presence, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring consistent project execution and quality across the region.

What are the core responsibilities for the role?
  • Provide regional leadership for railroad projects and support strategic growth initiatives within the assigned region.
  • Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including industry track, terminals, spurs, mainlines, yards, and sidings.
  • Coordinate with railroad companies for the delivery of a variety of DOT and municipal public agency projects involving railroad interface for at-grade crossings, grade-separated structures, and utility crossings.
  • Serve as a senior technical resource and advisor for rail design (geometry, material, etc.), grading, drainage, and related infrastructure.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with clients, railroad operators, public agencies, and industry partners across the region.
  • Support business development activities including client engagement, proposal development, project pursuits, and participation in industry organizations and conferences.
  • Provide mentorship, leadership, and technical guidance to engineers, designers, and junior staff across multiple offices and project teams.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers and regional leadership to support staffing strategies, resource planning, and operational efficiency.
  • Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies across multiple states to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and railroad standards.
  • Lead implementation and enforcement of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures throughout project development and delivery.
  • Support the continued development and standardization of rail engineering and coordination practices, design procedures, and project delivery processes across the company.
  • Travel periodically for client meetings, project site visits, regional coordination, and industry events.
  • Perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in rail, transit, railroad infrastructure, and transportation / land development engineering projects.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary rail engineering projects and managing client relationships.
  • Strong understanding of design standards for track, at-grade railroad crossings, grade-separated structures, and utility crossings.
  • Experience mentoring technical staff and leading engineering teams across multiple projects or offices preferred.Understanding of CAD platforms and standard engineering software applications.
  • Strong business development, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with railroad staff, clients, agencies, contractors, and internal teams.
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  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and team culture.
  • Willingness to travel regionally as needed to support project delivery and client engagement.
Why would a candidate want this job?

At Horrocks, you can expect a competitive base salary and award-winning benefits. Including, but not limited to:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401(k): 50% match of contribution up to 6%
  • Professional development opportunities including in-house training
  • Paid professional organization membership and professional licensure

For more information, visit our website at www.horrocks.com

Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and protected veteran status

EEO — All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

We provide fair and equal treatment to all candidates, including reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If you require an accommodation during the application process, please email us at Recruiting@horrock.com and include your name, the job title, and the location of the position you are applying for. Our team will respond as promptly as possible.

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