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Railroad Signal Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a professional engineer with specific expertise in rail signaling, communications and/or traction power. With more than 50 rail and transit projects currently underway across the ...

The Rail Systems Engineer will primarily contribute to the delivery of current rail and transit ... Working knowledge of rail systems such as signaling systems (CBTC and conventional), rail ...

Senior OCS Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$118K - $163K/yr

The Transit and Rail Practice is seeking a Senior OCS Engineer located Remotely . As a Senior OCS ... Coordinate OCS design with traction power, track, signaling, communications, civil, and structural ...

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$174.50 - $259/hr

... transit and rail experience and infrastructure design. * Professional Engineer (PE) license ... Experience coordinating track design with signals, communications, and traction power systems.

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

... transit and rail experience and infrastructure design. * Professional Engineer (PE) license ... Experience coordinating track design with signals, communications, and traction power systems.

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

... transit and rail experience and infrastructure design. * Professional Engineer (PE) license ... Experience coordinating track design with signals, communications, and traction power systems.

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Railroad Signal Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$40.4K

$109.4K

$191.3K

How much do railroad signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad signal engineer in Seattle, WA is $109,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $123,000.00 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 Seattle, WA?

For Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Signal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Signal Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,434 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Rail Signal & Communications Technician

King County

Seattle, WA

$87K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

202nd of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has exciting opportunities for Signal and Communications Technicians. These positions will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as motorized switch machines, vital relays, microprocessor controlled interlockings, programmable logic controllers, fiber optic links, failsafe railroad crossing equipment, stand-alone computers and power supplies. About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region.

Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system plays a central role in expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go. Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide.

This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day. Are you an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State.

Explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region here. Who May Apply This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external and will be used to fill current Career Service vacancies and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies in this classification and within this division over the next twelve months. These positions are considered safety sensitive.

Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols. Application Process To apply for this position, you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following: An online King County application. Please include relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.

Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety. Attach documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent). Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible.

We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County, Washington Need Assistance. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor at malansi@kingcounty.gov Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work

You will: Conduct fault diagnosis; inspect, test, modify, maintain and repair ail way signal and communications equipment Inspect, repair and maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossing mechanisms, switch machines, multiplexers, microprocessor controlled interlockings, vital relays, power supplies, battery systems, audio systems, and other complex machinery and equipment Operate common and specialized tools and equipment such as mechanical lift devices, hand tools, and electronic measurement devices Access aerial support structures and poles to perform inspections, maintenance and repair tasks Determine work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision; respond to emergency calls as necessary Operate switch machines by hand and by Local Control Panels under revenue and non-revenue conditions Plan, schedule, communicate and coordinate activities and work with other trades and sections; assist other trades as necessary Operate assigned vehicles, including Hi-Rail and Aerial Lift equipment Perform snow and ice removal Flag trackway to provide safer ail work zones; set up work zone traffic control areas Record and document maintenance and diagnostic data Other duties as assigned Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Minimum Qualifications: Two years performing Journey level work in railway signaling and communications Documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent). Additional Qualifications include: Journey level knowledge of the fundamentals of railway signaling and communications Knowledge in analyzing and evaluating malfunctions in electrical and electronic equipment and determining repair requirements; skill in performing electronic fabrication and assembly tasks, such as soldering and wire harnessing; skill in problem solving, analyzing, diagnosing and evaluating equipment problems Knowledge of and skill in industrial safety techniques, including safety techniques while working at railway crossings with train and automobile traffic Knowledge of and skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical and hydraulic equipment Willingness and ability to apply King County's core values around inclusion, equity and social justice as a team member and representative of King County to the public Skill in the application of customer service techniques and principles when dealing with customers in a tactful and diplomatic manner Skill in oral and written communications, including reading, writing and following instructions Skill in preparing written reports, inspection forms for documenting defects and repairs of work orders in designated computer programs; skill in preparing time and material cost estimates; keep accurate records Skill in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and safety inspection procedures Skill in working under established deadlines and time frames Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals Necessary Special Requirements: Ability to obtain Hi-Rail, Forklift, Aerial Lift, Bucket Truck, First-Aid, and/or CPR certifications (we train) A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire Supplemental Information Selection Process Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above.

Applications that are not complete may be rejected and not advanced in the process. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully passed a physical examination, drug and alcohol check, reference check, and a driver's abstract review.

Work Schedule These positions are non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible. Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule. The work schedules include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system and includes a mix of shift types, including 5x8 and 4x10 shifts. Per the union contract shift differentials are paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay

Per the union contract the current hourly rates are: Day Shift: $41.94-$59.91 Swing/2nd Shift: $44.04-$62.91 Graveyard/3rd Shift: $45.09-$64.40 Work Location Employees may report to any of the following locations: Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central: 3407 Airport Way S Seattle WA 98134 OMF East: 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005 Maintenance of Way (MOW) North: 920 North 137th ST Seattle WA 98133 Other locations in King County that may become available in the future Working Environment Work indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Work in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles, and in a high voltage environment to perform inspections. Position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and supplies and may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work

Safety Responsibilities for an Employee Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety Report all safety concerns Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system Union Membership: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587 Class Code: 8311200 - Rail Signals and Communication Technician An Employer to Be Proud Of King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference. Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity.

Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.


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About King County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1852

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