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Railroad Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Senior Rail Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's degree * 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects * Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board ...

HDR, Inc.

Senior Rail Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's degree * 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects * Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board ...

HDR

Senior Rail Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's degree * 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects * Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board ...

STV Inc.

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an early- to mid-career engineer who is passionate about rail and transit electrification and wants to contribute to transformative transportation programs ...

STV

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR

$79K - $102K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an early- to mid-career engineer who is passionate about rail and transit electrification and wants to contribute to transformative transportation programs ...

Stantec

Structural Engineer - Transportation

Portland, OR · On-site

$114K - $166K/yr

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Uses knowledge of relevant structural engineering for transportation structures. * Preparing design ...

Stantec

Structural Engineer - Transportation

Portland, OR · On-site

$114K - $166K/yr

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Uses knowledge of relevant structural engineering for transportation structures. * Preparing design ...

STV

Senior Drainage Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$160K - $183K/yr

Lead drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Oversee the design of stormwater management systems, drainage ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRailroad Engineering JobsRailroad Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR

Railroad Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.7K

$59.4K

$141K

How much do railroad engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad engineering in Portland, OR is $59,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $62,600.00 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Railroad Engineering jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:

Railroad Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,357 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Senior Rail Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Portland, OR • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Responsibilities
  • Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design‑team management of transit rail projects
  • Coordinate the planning and environmental process; manage the assembly of plans, specifications and construction estimate packages
  • Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or designing activities that have significant impact on major company programs
  • Plan, organize and supervise the work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
  • Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed; project management is not the sole focus of the position
  • Act as a high‑level point of contact between the client and HDR
  • Be proficient with InRail/InRoads
  • Perform other duties as needed
Qualifications

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.

  • 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
  • Proficient with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer/OpenRoads Designer, and/or AutoCAD and Civil3D
  • Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway projects
  • Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must
EEO Statement

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

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