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Railway Electrification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... railroad regulations, policies, rules, and procedures. * Provide leadership and oversight for all TES operations, including the 2x25kV traction electrification system, power isolation activities ...

TES Senior Superintendent

San Jose, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... railroad regulations, policies, rules, and procedures. * Provide leadership and oversight for all TES operations, including the 2x25kV traction electrification system, power isolation activities ...

PCB Assembler I

Homestead, PA · On-site

$16.40 - $21.30/hr

We offer products and services which extend along the entire Rail Electrification value chain to improve the quality of everyday life for millions of people worldwide. Position Overview: The ...

The EoR is responsible for the engineering design and realization of the System Engineering, Traction Power System (TPS) and Power SCADA subsystems of an integrated high speed rail electrification ...

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Railway Electrification information

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How much do railway electrification jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for railway electrification in the United States is $37.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $54.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does railway electrification do?

Railway electrification involves installing electrical systems to power trains, replacing traditional diesel engines. It improves energy efficiency, reduces emissions, and allows for faster, more reliable train operations. Railway electrification projects require specialized skills in electrical engineering and infrastructure installation.

What is the difference between Railway Electrification vs Railway Signaling?

AspectRailway ElectrificationRailway Signaling
Required CertificationsElectrical engineering, certification in electrical systemsElectronics, communication, signaling system certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork on tracks, electrical substationsControl rooms, trackside installations
Industry UsagePower supply for trains, overhead linesTrain movement control, safety systems

Railway Electrification focuses on installing and maintaining electrical power systems for trains, while Railway Signaling involves managing train movements and safety through signaling systems. Both roles are essential in railway operations but differ in technical focus and work environment.

What is railway electrification?

Railway electrification refers to the process of powering trains with electricity instead of diesel or steam. This is done by installing overhead lines or a third rail that supplies electrical energy to trains, allowing for faster, cleaner, and more efficient rail transport. Electrified railways help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and improve train performance and reliability. The process involves significant infrastructure work, including electrical substations, wiring, and signaling upgrades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Railway Electrification, and why are they important?

To thrive in Railway Electrification, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, safety standards, and industry regulations, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree or diploma. Familiarity with CAD software, SCADA systems, and railway-specific electrification tools, as well as certifications in electrical safety or railway operations, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set candidates apart in managing complex projects and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of rail networks, critical to public safety and infrastructure performance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in railway electrification projects?

Professionals in railway electrification often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring safety compliance in high-voltage environments. They must also address unexpected site conditions and logistical complexities, especially when upgrading active rail lines. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves collaborating with civil engineers, signaling teams, and project managers to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives or project directors, with salaries often exceeding six figures. Specialized roles like signal engineers, locomotive engineers, and maintenance managers with extensive experience and certifications can also earn high salaries in the industry.

What jobs are there in the railway industry?

The railway industry offers a variety of jobs including railway electrification engineers, maintenance technicians, signal operators, train conductors, and project managers. These roles often require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of railway systems and safety protocols.

What is the role of electrical department in railway?

The electrical department in railway operations is responsible for maintaining and operating electrical systems such as traction power supply, signaling, and communication equipment. They ensure the safe and efficient functioning of electric trains, overhead catenary systems, and related infrastructure, often working with specialized tools and adhering to safety standards. Their work is essential for reliable railway service and safety compliance.
More about Railway Electrification jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Railway Electrification jobs? The most popular types of Railway Electrification jobs are:
What states have the most Railway Electrification jobs? States with the most job openings for Railway Electrification jobs include:
Infographic showing various Railway Electrification job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,675 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer

Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer

HDR

Philadelphia, PA

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 368 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. 
Primary Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Overhead Contact System Electrification Engineer include design production for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification overhead contact systems (OCS) distribution.  This person will be involved in electrified rail and transit projects throughout North America and Internationally.  The engineer will have specific responsibilities performing design, providing leadership of specific design packages for multiple projects, as well as coordinating the assembly of plans and specifications, and construction support.  This position supports various rail and transit projects throughout North America to serve the contract requirements and respond to client needs.  

The successful candidate will have experience in developing technical specifications, criteria, drawings and calculations for AC and DC overhead contact systems, and the interfaces to traction power systems, structures and rail and bus vehicles.  As such, the candidate will have the ability to proactively lead tasks between technical groups and be innovative in solving complex challenges.

  • Project work will include overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High-Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact systems. 

  • Design work would include overhead contact system components, schematics, layouts and calculations needed for equipment sizing and allocation, general arrangements, typicals, and allocation drawings.

  • Work location would include both Home Office and short-term travel to cities installing or planning to install Electrified Transit Systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 7 years of experience from previous consultant firms, rail transit construction or transit agency experience.  

  • AC/DC traction electrification, overhead contact and distribution system design and implementation is required

  • Experience in the construction of OCS electrification is desirable

  • Experience with steel and concrete design and associated codes, i.e. AISC, ACI, AASHTO and other applicable codes.

  • Familiarity with foundation design and associated software i.e. LPile

  • Familiarity with structural design software such as SAP2000, STAAD, LARSA, or similar.

  • Familiarity with the NESC and applying it in an OCS context.

  • Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Skills and additional attributes

Individual must be technically competent, with recognized rail specialization that resolves problems of significant scope and complexity.  The individual should have industry standing in technical committees in the electrification field. In addition to performing design work by themselves, the Individual will be required to coordinate work of a small group of professionals and technicians. Experience with direct client interface and complete project life cycle (design to commissioning) is highly desirable. 

Keywords: Overhead Contact System (OCS), Traction Electrification Engineer, Rail Electrification Engineer, Railway Electrification, Transit Electrification, Power Distribution (Rail), Traction Power Systems, AC/DC Electrification, Electrified Rail Systems, Overhead Contact System Design, Contact Wire Distribution, Catenary Systems, OCS Components, OCS Schematics, OCS Layouts, Equipment Sizing & Allocation, Electrification Calculations, General Arrangement Drawings, Typical Sections & Allocation Drawings, Technical Specifications, Design Criteria Development, Interface Design (Power, Structures, Rolling Stock)

#LI-EH1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

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.


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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