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Railroad Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Drainage Engineer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Support drainage engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail, bridge, and highway improvements. * Prepare stormwater management design, drainage design ...

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... Apply structural engineering analysis, design, and detailing techniques to develop contract ...

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... Apply structural engineering analysis, design, and detailing techniques to develop contract ...

Senior Software Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

... Rails, Python. * Passionate about user experience and advocating for customer interactions. * Strong knowledge of software engineering fundamentals, and their practical application. * Write well ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 14, 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 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.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers are generally in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and safety requirements in the rail industry. Employment opportunities often depend on the state of the transportation sector and regional infrastructure projects, with experience in safety protocols and locomotive operation being valuable assets.

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Railroad Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,357 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Senior Rail Engineer

HDR

Portland, OR • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 447 rated engineering


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?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
 

In the role of Senior Engineer Rail, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • 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
  • Be able to plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians
  • Serve as Project Manager on larger projects as needed; project management is not sole focus of position
  • Serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR
  • Proficient with InRail/InRoads
  • Perform other duties as needed
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • 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

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917