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Traction Power Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traction Power Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

AECOM is seeking a highly talented Traction Power Engineer to join our New England Transit Group and can work out of one of our regional offices in New England. The qualified applicant must have ...

Traction Power Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Position Summary Wescom Solutions is seeking a Traction Power Engineer for support on major rail construction projects. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Support our clients and assist in ...

Plan, coordinate, oversee, manage traction power engineering activities to ensure they comply with company and contract requirements from design through construction, testing, and commissioning of ...

Traction Power Engineer

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

AECOM is seeking a highly talented Traction Power Engineer to join our New England Transit Group and can work out of one of our regional offices in New England. The qualified applicant must have ...

AECOM is seeking a highly talented Traction Power Engineer to join our New England Transit Group and can work out of one of our regional offices in New England. The qualified applicant must have ...

AECOM is seeking a highly talented Traction Power Engineer to join our New England Transit Group and can work out of one of our regional offices in New England. The qualified applicant must have ...

AECOM is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Traction Power Engineer to join our team. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design, analysis of DC or AC ...

Traction Power Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

AECOM is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Traction Power Engineer to join our team. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design, analysis of DC or AC ...

AECOM is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Traction Power Engineer to join our team. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design, analysis of DC or AC ...

Senior Traction Power Engineer

New York, NY

$114K - $157K/yr

AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Sr. Traction Power Engineer to join our World Class Rail Systems Team in the New York, NY office. The ideal candidate will serve as a technical lead ...

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Traction Power Engineer information

See salary details

$105K

$125.2K

$144.5K

How much do traction power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for traction power engineer in the United States is $125,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a traction power engineer do?

A traction power engineer typically works in the transit and rail industry and is responsible for developing design/concepts to clients and project team members. Other responsibilities in this career may include performing engineering studies and analyses that assist the project manager in establishing a budget, cost estimates, and overall project schedules. As part of your duties, you may need to design and prepare diagrams, communications, substation layouts, and grounding grids, selection of substation equipment specifications, proposals, metering, construction costs, reports, analysis, and technical studies for the traction power distribution systems.

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

To thrive as a Traction Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, experience with high-voltage systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD or ETAP), knowledge of railway power systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) status are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of traction power infrastructure in transportation systems.

What is the difference between Traction Power Engineer vs Electrical Power Engineer?

AspectTraction Power EngineerElectrical Power Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly PE license, specialized in transit systemsEngineering degree, PE license, broader electrical systems expertise
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, rail, metro systemsPower plants, industrial facilities, utility companies
Industry UsageTransportation infrastructure projectsEnergy generation and distribution
Common Search IntentDesigning and maintaining transit power systemsElectrical system design and power distribution

While both roles involve electrical systems, a Traction Power Engineer specializes in power systems for transit and rail networks, focusing on electrification and safety. An Electrical Power Engineer has a broader scope, working on power generation, distribution, and industrial applications. The key difference lies in industry focus and specific system expertise.

What are the most common challenges faced by traction power engineers in large-scale rail transit projects?

Traction Power Engineers working on large-scale rail transit projects frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring system reliability under high passenger loads, and adhering to stringent safety standards. Managing project timelines while integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure can also be demanding. Effective communication and close collaboration with civil, signaling, and operations teams are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver safe, efficient power systems for rail networks.

What does a traction power engineer do?

A Traction Power Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the electrical systems that supply power to railway vehicles, such as trains, trams, and subways. They ensure that the power systems are safe, reliable, and efficient, working on components like substations, overhead wires, and third-rail systems. Their role often involves collaborating with civil and signaling engineers, conducting site assessments, and troubleshooting issues to keep transportation networks running smoothly.

What cities are hiring for Traction Power Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Traction Power Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Traction Power Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Traction Power Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Traction Power Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,176 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Traction Power Engineer

AECOM

Boston, MA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a highly talented Traction Power Engineer to join our New England Transit Group and can work out of one of our regional offices in New England. The qualified applicant must have knowledge of third rail systems and load flow study experience (performing load flow studies and analyzing them).
The primary role of this position is to prepare design drawings and documents, technical specifications, cost estimates, proposals, calculations, and studies associated with traction power system for electrified railways AC and DC. Will perform project work as well as serve as a technical leader.
Responsibilities will include:
  • Guide drafters/designers and less experienced engineers to prepare but not limited to single-line diagrams, elementary and wiring diagrams, SCADA, communications, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation physical layouts, emergency trip, grounding and lighting, selection of substation equipment, writing of substation equipment specifications, proposal development, construction cost estimates, and project scheduling, test plans, field tests, reports, analysis, and technical studies for traction power systems
  • Perform protective relay settings and coordination studies
  • Perform grounding design, load flow, harmonic, power flow, voltage drop, protective relay settings and coordination and arc flash studies using specialized software
  • Recommend appropriate actions to ensure compliance with all client, local, state, and federal regulations including AREMA railway standards, the National Electric Code (NFPA 70), the National Electric Safety Code (IEEE C2), and other applicable US standards
  • Develop systemwide duct bank drawings by working in close coordination with respective system disciplines. Assist and provide working information to CAD for BIM clash detection.
  • Provide value engineering on traction power systems
  • Perform technical reviews of other team members' designs
  • Interface with other technical disciplines such as communications systems, overhead catenary/3rd rail, electrical, mechanical, structural, architectural, track and civil.
  • Work with Senior Traction Power Engineers
  • Design with constructability in mind throughout all steps of the design process

Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • BA/BS plus 6 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
  • Professional Engineering License
  • Experience with traction power AC and DC High and Low Voltage systems including relaying, rectifier, distribution, and SCADA equipment
  • Extensive experience in the execution and task leadership for design calculations, plans development, specifications, and technical report writing
  • Experience and knowledge of AREMA and IEEE standards for Traction Power design
  • Experience working on large transit/railroad projects with Substations, 3rd rail and/or Overhead Contact distribution systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 15+ years of experience in Electrical/Traction Power design and construction of engineering projects
  • Experience with CTDOT, Metro-North, Amtrak, MBTA
  • Experience in design/build and other alternative delivery project
  • Familiar with AutoCAD and OpenRoads/OpenRail.
  • Experience writing technical papers and technical presentations
  • Experience with technical studies for traction power systems, including train performance simulations AC and DC load flow simulations, short circuit calculations, EMF/EMI studies
  • Leadership positions held on professional societies or technical committees
  • Experience in providing technical training
  • Experience in writing project proposals and delivery of oral presentations for purpose of business development
  • Experience with MBTA, CTDOT, Amtrak and Metro North.

Additional Information
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this role
  • Sponsorship is available for this role

About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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