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Railroad Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Conductor - Cadillac, MI

Cadillac, MI · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Redfish Recruiting

Fullstack Developer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site +1

Full-stack Developer Experience: * 5+ years of full-stack development experience * Proficiency in ... Proficiency in Ruby on Rails * Experience with API development and integration * Experience with ...

Mosaic.tech

Lead Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Proficiency in Typescript, React, and GraphQL--able to work with Rails backend * Great taste when it comes to building traditional SaaS and mobile apps * Proven track record of engineering slick ...

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All JobsRailroad Engineering JobsRailroad Engineering Jobs in Michigan

Railroad Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$48.8K

$115.9K

How much do railroad engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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:

Railroad Engineering jobs near you
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.

Conductor - Cadillac, MI

Watco

Cadillac, MI • On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Watco rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

Conductor - Cadillac, MI
Job Location: GLC - Cadillac, MI
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Job Summary
The conductor/switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations.
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
Education
High School or GED equivalent

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