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Signal Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Senior Signal Engineer/Designer - Transit & Rail - Hybrid - Multiple office locations VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real ...

Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Iteris is seeking an experienced Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer to monitor the health and status of over 1,500 VDOT signals in the NoVA District, under the direction of VDOT NRO staff on a real ...

Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Iteris is seeking an experienced Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer to monitor the health and status of over 1,500 VDOT signals in the NoVA District, under the direction of VDOT NRO staff on a real ...

Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Iteris is seeking an experienced Sr. Signal Optimization Engineer to monitor the health and status of over 1,500 VDOT signals in the NoVA District, under the direction of VDOT NRO staff on a real ...

Signals Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$62.50 - $76.93/hr

You'll expand your skills as you develop and enhance software that supports signal detection ... You'll collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot operational issues and work alongside ...

Compression Engineer

Sterling, VA

$79K - $107K/yr

Compression Engineering is a team of engineers whose responsibilities encompass the aggregation and ... Understands the signal flow of transmission systems and can read and produce system drawings.

Compression Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

Compression Engineering is a team of engineers whose responsibilities encompass the aggregation and ... Understands the signal flow of transmission systems and can read and produce system drawings.

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Showing results 1-20

Signal Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$40.2K

$108.9K

$190.3K

How much do signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal engineer in Washington is $108,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Signal Engineers face when working on railway or transportation projects?

Signal Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new signaling systems with legacy infrastructure, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including civil, electrical, and IT engineers. Projects may require balancing tight deadlines with the need for thorough testing and validation of signal systems to ensure passenger and worker safety. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities can shift quickly due to technical issues or changes in project scope.

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

To thrive as a Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or electronic engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with signaling systems, CAD software, and industry-specific standards such as those from the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) or relevant certifications is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help Signal Engineers collaborate and respond to safety-critical situations. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of signaling systems in transportation networks.

What is the difference between Signal Engineer vs Communications Engineer?

AspectSignal EngineerCommunications Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications like IEEEBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Communications Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRailways, transit systems, transportation infrastructureTelecom companies, network providers, data centers
Industry UsageTransportation, infrastructure projectsTelecommunications, networking, data transmission
Job FocusDesign and maintenance of signaling systems for safety and efficiencyDesign and implementation of communication systems for data and voice transmission

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and similar certifications, Signal Engineers primarily focus on signaling systems in transportation, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Communications Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining communication networks for data and voice transmission across various industries.

What are Signal Engineers?

Signal Engineers are professionals who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot signaling systems that control train movements on railway networks. Their work ensures the safe and efficient operation of trains by managing signals, track circuits, and interlocking systems. Signal Engineers work closely with other railway professionals to implement modern signaling technology and comply with safety standards. They may also be involved in upgrading existing infrastructure or developing new systems for improved reliability and capacity.
What are popular job titles related to Signal Engineer jobs in Washington? For Signal Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Signal Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Signal Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Signal Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Signal Engineer job openings:
Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

VHB

Washington, DC โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer - Transit & Rail - Hybrid - Multiple office locations

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.ย 

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).

Responsibilitiesย 

  • 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

Qualificationsย 

  • 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.

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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. ย 

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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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Employment Type: FULL_TIME