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Railway Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Railway Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$124K - $166K/yr

This position performs a full range of professional railway engineering assignments in a full-functioning capacity. Considerable independent judgment is required to carry out assignments that have an ...

Maintain knowledge of applicable railroad, industry, regulatory, safety, and client-specific standards and best practices. Preferred Experience : * Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Senior Rail Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Rail Engineer , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of rail infrastructure. Your experience and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success ...

Ruby on Rails Developer

Berkeley, CA · On-site +1

$125K - $172K/yr

We're looking for a sharp, user-focused Rails programmer that cares equally about making quality products that users love as well as writing quality code that is easy to read and maintain. Our Rails ...

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

The Railroad Bridge Engineer provides engineering oversight, technical review, and construction support for railroad bridge and guideway structures associated with the transportation client's project.

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Showing results 1-20

Railway Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do railway engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for railway engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railway engineer?

Railway engineers are professionals who design, construct, maintain, and improve railway systems and infrastructure. They work on various aspects of rail transport, including track layout, signaling, bridges, tunnels, and stations. Their responsibilities can range from ensuring safety standards to optimizing train operations and integrating new technologies. Railway engineers may specialize in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, depending on their focus within the railway industry. They play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of rail transport networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railway engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railway Engineer, you need a strong background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, track design tools, and industry standards like AREMA or EN standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to complex project needs. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems.

What are some common challenges faced by railway engineers during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Railway Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing strict project timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Working on large-scale projects frequently involves adapting to unexpected site conditions and addressing technical issues that arise during construction. Effective communication with contractors, government agencies, and stakeholders is crucial to successfully navigate these complexities and deliver projects on schedule.

What is the difference between Railway Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectRailway EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Railway Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentRailway construction sites, maintenance yards, control centersConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning sites
Industry UsageRailway companies, transportation agencies, infrastructure firmsConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms
Job FocusDesign, construction, and maintenance of railway systems and tracksDesign and oversee various infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings

Railway Engineers specialize in railway systems, focusing on tracks, signaling, and train operations, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related environments, but their project focus differs significantly.

How do you become a railway engineer?

To become a railway engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, along with relevant work experience. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and strong technical skills, knowledge of railway systems, and safety protocols are essential for the role.

How much do railway engineers make?

Railway engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. Senior or specialized railway engineers can earn higher salaries, especially with certifications and advanced skills in project management or signaling systems.

What cities in California are hiring for Railway Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Railway Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Railway Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

$25 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Railroad Flagging
Location: Victorville, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: District Manager
Travel: Yes, travel is expected for this position (50% - 85% on average).
Compensation: $25 - $37 based on experience

Job Description:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is hiring a Railroad Flagger. This role keeps workers safe on train tracks by controlling train movements and following federal safety rules. The job supports major railroads, smaller rail lines, transit systems, state transportation projects, and contractors.

Required Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience with a Class 1 Railroad, Regional Short Line, Transit System, State DOT Rail Division, Railroad Supplier, Railroad Contractor, and/or Railroad Consultant; preferably within the Maintenance Of Way (MOW) Department.

Job Requirements:

  • Skilled with basic computer tools, including Citrix, email, phone, and texting apps
  • Comfortable using Android tablets and smartphones
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of railroad engineering, design, construction, and safety
  • Able to build and maintain strong client relationships
  • Willing to travel for long periods (even months at a time)
  • Able to complete required federal, client, and company training

Job Duties:

  • Coordinate activities at the job site
  • Communicate clearly with dispatchers, train crews, railroad staff, and contractors
  • Lead safety briefings before work begins
  • Follow and enforce all railroad, state, and federal rules
  • Ensure contractors meet training requirements
  • Spot and address any rule violations
  • Complete daily reports on work activities
  • Maintain on-track safety following federal regulations

Work Environment:

  • This job operates in a field environment.
  • Must communicate clearly in English (speaking, reading, and writing)
  • Must be willing to travel or drive long distances
  • Must be able to stand for long periods and walk on uneven ground
  • Must have good vision (near, far, color, and peripheral)
  • Must handle extreme weather (hot and cold)
  • Must work in dusty and noisy environments
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
  • Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

Required Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Keywords: Assistant Roadmaster, Bridge Inspector, Bridge Manager, Bridge Maintainer, Bridge Supervisor, Division Engineer (DE), Employee In Charge (EIC), Flagger, Flagging, Flagman, Foreman, Foremen, Maintenance Of Way (MOW), Manager Track Maintenance (MTM), Manager Track Projects (MTP), Rail, Railroad, Railroad Project Manager, Railway, Railway Project Manager, Roadmaster, Roadway Worker, Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC), Roadway Worker Protection (RWP), Safety, Signal Inspector, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, Signal Supervisor, Track Inspector, Track Maintainer, Track Manager, Track Supervisor.

Company Profile: National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is a certified DBE/WBE firm primarily focused on providing safety services to the railroad industry. NRSS is the most trusted name in the railroad industry for providing qualified field safety staff and safety training. To best serve the railroad industry, NRSS provides all these services in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. NRSS has the proven ability and the proven safety record to handle any project.

Safety Commitment: All employees at NRSS must always prioritize safety. No job is so urgent that it can't be done safely. Safety is a core value, ensuring the protection of workers, customers, and communities while maintaining leadership in railroad safety.

Closing Statement: National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Any candidate selected for this position must be able to successfully pass pre-employment/recurrent background checks, drug/alcohol testing, and classroom training.