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Railroad Signal Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real-world solutions that enhance connectivity and support community development. The company's comprehensive services ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Chelmsford, MA

$108K - $148K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Senior Rail Systems Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

The Sr Rail System Lead will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems disciplines (Systems Engineering, Signals, Electrification Systems, Data Communications ...

Railroad infrastructure, maintenance, and engineering * Signals and communications systems * Asset reliability and performance management * FRA regulatory requirements * PTC coordination and railroad ...

Railroad infrastructure, maintenance, and engineering * Signals and communications systems * Asset reliability and performance management * FRA regulatory requirements * PTC coordination and railroad ...

Senior Cost Estimator

Boston, MA · Remote

$110K - $145K/yr

... voltage], Railroad Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), DC Traction Power, Railroad Signals ... Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to validate cost assumptions.Utilize ...

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Railroad Signal Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$38.6K

$104.4K

$182.5K

How much do railroad signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad signal engineer in Boston, MA is $104,405.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $117,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad signal engineer do?

A Railroad Signal Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the signaling systems that control train movements on railways. They ensure these systems operate safely and efficiently, which is crucial for preventing accidents and managing train traffic. Their work involves both hardware and software components, including signals, switches, and communication networks. They may also be involved in upgrading existing systems to meet modern safety standards and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad signal engineer?

To thrive as a Railroad Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or electronic engineering, knowledge of signaling principles, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, signal design tools, and safety certification standards like AREMA or FRA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient railway operations and compliance with rigorous industry safety standards.

What are some common challenges railroad signal engineers face when working on large-scale rail projects?

Railroad Signal Engineers often encounter challenges coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring signal systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, and staying compliant with stringent safety regulations. Projects may involve working in diverse environments, from remote field sites to busy urban areas, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Managing tight project timelines while troubleshooting complex technical issues is also a regular part of the role, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.

What is the difference between Railroad Signal Engineer vs Railroad Signal Maintainer?

AspectRailroad Signal EngineerRailroad Signal Maintainer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in signaling systemsTechnical training, certifications in signaling and safety
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and overseeing signaling systemsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining signaling equipment
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, engineering firmsRailroads, transit agencies, maintenance contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Railroad Signal Engineer focuses on designing, testing, and overseeing signaling systems to ensure safe train operations, often requiring an engineering degree. In contrast, the Railroad Signal Maintainer handles the installation, repair, and maintenance of signaling equipment, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in the rail industry, but they differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Signal Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,405 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

VHB

Boston, MA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


VHB rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer - Transit & Rail – Hybrid – Multiple office locations *Remote working possible, must be within VHB office footprint*

VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real-world solutions that enhance connectivity and support community development. The company's comprehensive services encompass funding, design, permitting, construction planning, and operations, thus providing end-to-end solutions for transit and rail projects. 

As a senior member of the team, you’ll work under minimal direction, performing detailed phases of signal engineering design work for projects with complex features. Exercises independent judgment and decision making in evaluating, selecting, and applying advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform work and make substantial adaptations and modifications as needed. You’ll lead a team in developing signal engineering plans and specifications for a multitude of transit and railroad signaling projects (e.g. train control systems for light and heavy rail transit, and freight, commuter, intercity and high-speed rail road operations).

Responsibilities 

  • Supports the installation, testing, and commissioning of rail based signaling, Communications Based Train Control (CBTC),and Positive Train Control (PTC) projects
  • Plans, organizes, and oversees signal engineering activities for all phases of a transit and rail road project of significant size and complexity or two or more projects of small to moderate size and complexity.
  • Participates in all stages of a signaling project from planning and design to installation and commissioning.
  • Makes recommendations on project staffing.
  • Develops detailed signal designs and systems, including at grade railroad crossing systems for both constant and fixed warning systems and traffic preemption functions.
  • Develops and modifies electrical circuits.
  • Performs feasibility studies and analysis, including braking calculations, control tables, routes and aspects, schematics, and phasing plans.
  • Supports key stages of the installation, testing and commissioning of rail based signaling, Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), and Positive Train Control (PTC) projects

Qualifications 

  • BS in Civil Engineering or related field
  • 11-15 years of professional experience in railroad and/or rail transit and engineering design
  • Clear understanding of railroad and rail transit design requirements including AREMA recommended practices
  • Familiarity with track, station, layover facility and general civil engineering
  • Strong capability in use of computer applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Capability in the use of project management applications such as MS Project or Primavera
  • PE License preferred

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in New York City is $140,000-180,000, estimate for a position located in Boston, MA is $130,000– $170,000; estimate for a position based in Washington, DC is $130,000 - 170,000. This offer is determined based on a number of job-related factors including internal comparators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities and geographic location. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here.

Building what’s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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