1

Senior Rail Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry is currently seeking a Senior Rail Construction Engineer to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville ...

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$97K - $127K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Senior Rail Construction Engineer to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Alexandria, VA

$115K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary TYLin is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Electrical Engineer with ... Coordinate with civil, structural, mechanical, roadway, bridge, rail, systems, and utility ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary TYLin is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Electrical Engineer with ... Coordinate with civil, structural, mechanical, roadway, bridge, rail, systems, and utility ...

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to support a mission-focused ... Rails, or similar development languages • Experience with Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or other ...

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to support a mission-focused ... Rails, or similar development languages • Experience with Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or other ...

Structural Team as a Senior Structural Bridge Engineer and become part of our expanding and ... railroad bridges; commuter rail stations; marine structures; energy projects; retaining walls)

Senior Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

VT Group (VTG) is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to support a mission-focused ... Rails, or similar development languages • Experience with Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or other ...

Senior Engineering Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$116K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and subject matter expert supporting transit and rail clients nationwide. This highly consultative role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Rail Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$125.5K

$181.9K

How much do senior rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rail engineer in Virginia is $125,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior rail engineer?

Senior Rail Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, overseeing, and managing railway infrastructure projects. Their role typically includes project planning, technical design, safety assessments, coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that railway systems meet regulatory standards. Senior Rail Engineers often supervise junior staff and contractors, provide expert guidance on complex engineering problems, and play a key role in delivering projects on time and within budget. They might work on new rail lines, upgrades, maintenance, or modernization projects across freight and passenger networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior rail engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Rail Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or mechanical engineering, rail systems, and project management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional accreditation (such as PE or CEng). Proficiency in railway design software (like Bentley Rail Track or AutoCAD), knowledge of rail standards, and experience with signaling or track systems are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and innovative rail infrastructure projects that meet regulatory and operational standards.

How much do senior rail engineers get paid?

Senior rail engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require specialized skills in railway systems, project management, and safety regulations, which can influence salary levels.

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

Senior Rail Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards. Balancing technical requirements with budget constraints and adapting to unexpected site conditions can also be demanding. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, as the role frequently involves leading interdisciplinary teams and resolving complex engineering issues in real time.

What is the difference between Senior Rail Engineer vs Rail Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Rail EngineerRail Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, professional registration often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Railway Engineering, relevant certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentField inspections, project management, overseeing construction sitesDesign offices, CAD work, project planning
ResponsibilitiesProject oversight, technical problem-solving, team leadershipCreating detailed rail design plans, technical calculations, modeling

The main difference is that Senior Rail Engineers oversee construction and project execution, while Rail Design Engineers focus on creating detailed design plans. Both roles require similar qualifications and work within the railway industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Rail Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Rail Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Rail Engineer job openings:

Senior Rail Construction Engineer

Dewberry

Gainesville, VA • On-site

$111K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Dewberry is currently seeking a Senior Rail Construction Engineer to work on project assignments in the Washington Metropolitan area of VA\MD\DC. The position will be headquartered in the Gainesville, VA office, but will report to a project site, or multiple project sites daily. The successful candidate will be assigned to fulfill leadership positions on various construction projects.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors are our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
  • Assigned project elements may involve rail stations, facilities, bridges, structures, roadways and other transportation and infrastructure facilities. Projects may be within railway right-of-way, therefore working knowledge of railway systems is required
  • Duties may include reading and understanding contract language making recommendations for partial and final contractor payments
  • Coordinating with the Construction Manager in organizing and assisting with managing a project team for execution of the assigned contract
  • Assisting the Construction manager in monitoring project budgets, supervising and managing personnel and making recommendations on project staffing
  • Analyzing and interpreting project plans and specifications to ensure project constructability, interpretation of unclear contract language
  • Performing work order time impact and claim analysis
  • Maintaining and report contractor's daily production rates
  • Preparation of independent construction estimates and managing the contractor payment process
  • Candidate may be required to conduct meetings such as a pre-construction conference, utility coordination meetings, construction progress meetings and others
  • Reviews inspection data, material test results, resolves test discrepancies and construction issues impacting quality of construction

Required Skills & Required Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or similar degree, specializing in construction/engineering management or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the management of station, bridge, roadway, facilities and/or infrastructure construction project within a railway event
  • Ability to work with and grow in a team environment
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
  • Proficient computer, smartphone, and tablet skills and use of software and databases to optimize information collection and automate data collection and reporting.
  • Ability to learn new computer software and databases, i.e. Smartsheet, Box, TEAMs
  • Valid driver's license and qualified to drive company vehicle

Preferred qualifications:
  • Moderate knowledge of rail stations, bridges, facility, roadway, structure, traffic engineering, utilities construction methods, procedures, practices, plans, specifications and contracts, materials used and performance, environmental, legal and safety responsibilities related to construction of transportation facilities
  • Working knowledge of system/communication elements for railroads
  • Working knowledge of AREMA standards
  • Working knowledge of VDOT and/or MSHA Road and Bridge Specifications, Road and Bridge Standards, Construction Manual, and Inspector Manual
  • Knowledge of the use of electronic data processing equipment and contract management software
  • Ability to create, review and evaluate project/contractor schedules in accordance with the contract requirements.
  • Ability to supervise and manage employee work groups
  • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contracts
  • Ability to prepare clear technical, financial, administrative and explanatory correspondences
  • Ability to establish and work to project budgets
  • Ability to establish a detailed scope of work and identify and capture activities that occur outside of the defined scope
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Registered as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) through the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) or similar Construction Manager Certifications preferred or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
  • Ability to obtain a registered Professional Engineer license (PE) in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • VDOT/MSHA construction inspection experience including materials testing or construction inspection certifications also preferred

Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
#LI-EMM
Salary Range
The projected range for this position is $111,000-$130,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

What Dewberry employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom