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Train Operator Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Presto Operator will be the official scorer at all home Big Train games and must provide impartial scoring decisions, and is responsible for keeping both an electronic and written record of every ...

Watch Operator with Security Clearance

Lorton, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Serve as a Watch Operator in an integrated space operations center supporting 24/7 mission ... Train and qualify to serve as a backup Mission Director, developing familiarity with all NOC ...

Sewing Operator At 4over, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming ... Ability to cross train and work in other departments and/or machines Physical Demands The physical ...

Sewing Operator At 4over, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming ... Ability to cross train and work in other departments and/or machines Physical Demands The physical ...

Showing results 41-60

Train Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do train operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for train operator in Washington, DC is $22.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a train operator do?

A train operator is responsible for driving trains, ensuring the safety and timely transportation of passengers or freight. They monitor train systems, follow schedules, and communicate with dispatchers and control centers. Train operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and may need to respond to emergencies or unexpected situations during their shift. Their duties also include performing pre-departure inspections and reporting any technical issues. Overall, train operators play a crucial role in the smooth operation of rail services.

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

To thrive as a Train Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, safety regulations, and mechanical systems, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized operator training. Familiarity with signaling systems, train control software, and communication devices is crucial. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and strong stress management help operators excel in challenging and time-sensitive situations. These skills ensure safe and efficient train operations, minimizing accidents and service disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by train operators during their daily shifts?

Train operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining punctuality despite unexpected delays, ensuring passenger safety during crowded peak hours, and managing stress from long periods of focused attention. They must also respond quickly to emergencies or equipment malfunctions while adhering to strict operational protocols. Collaboration with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and station staff is essential to keep train services running smoothly.

What is the difference between Train Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectTrain OperatorBus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial driver's license (CDL), sometimes additional rail certificationsCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentRail stations, train cabins, rail yardsOn-road, bus routes, bus stations
Industry UsageRail transportation, transit agenciesPublic transit, private bus companies
Common Search IntentDifferences, job duties, qualificationsSimilar roles, training, career path

Train Operators and Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses and work in transportation environments. However, Train Operators operate trains within rail systems, often in fixed routes and schedules, while Bus Drivers operate buses on roads and streets, serving different transit needs. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests in the transportation industry.

How hard is it to be a train operator?

Becoming a train operator requires completing specialized training, obtaining a commercial driver's license or certification, and passing health and safety assessments. The job involves operating complex equipment, adhering to strict safety protocols, and working irregular hours, which can make it challenging for some individuals.

How long is a train operator training?

Train operators typically undergo training that lasts from several weeks to several months, depending on the employer and the complexity of the equipment. The training includes classroom instruction, safety procedures, and hands-on practice with the trains and control systems, often followed by a certification or licensing process. Ongoing training and evaluations are also common to ensure safety and compliance.

What qualifications do you need to become a train operator?

To become a train operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and completion of specialized training programs. They must also pass medical examinations, background checks, and obtain certification or licensing specific to their region or employer. Good communication skills and the ability to operate complex machinery are essential.

What are popular job titles related to Train Operator jobs in Washington, DC?

For Train Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Train Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Train Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Train Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,363 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Sr. Release Train Engineer TS/SCI Polygraph

Leidos

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Sr. Release Train Engineer (RTE) to support a high-performing agile program leveraging the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This role is part of a large, fast-paced effort delivering mission-critical capabilities. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in leading agile teams. The program follows DevOps best practices and uses robust development, test, and production environments. We employ Behavior Driven Development (BDD), test automation, and a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools. This program provides systems engineering, development, testing, integration, and operational support for a critical mission system. The team is focused on introducing new technologies and advanced capabilities while continuing to sustain an active operational environment.

Job Description

Leidos is seeking a Sr. Release Train Engineer (RTE) to support a high-impact, multi-agency program serving the United States Space Force (USSF)/Space Systems Command (SSC), the United States Air Force (USAF), and other key mission stakeholders. The selected candidate will play an important role on a critical program focused on enhancing, testing, and deploying a large-scale Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system within an existing infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in public key infrastructure (PKI) and Agile development, along with exceptional problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

The selected candidate will serve as the Sr. Release Train Engineer (RTE) for an Agile Release Train (ART) operating within a Full SAFe environment. In this key leadership role, the individual will facilitate ART events and processes to support the consistent delivery of value across the program. The RTE will function as both a project engineer and project manager for the ART, with primary responsibility for helping the train meet its committed Feature objectives. This role requires close partnership with teams to assess Feature progress, identify risks to delivery, understand the factors affecting planned work, and help remove or mitigate obstacles that may impact successful completion. The RTE will also drive effective horizontal and vertical communication across teams and stakeholders to surface dependencies, resolve impediments, and support timely decision-making. In addition, the selected candidate will help develop and execute mitigation plans that keep the ART aligned, focused, and moving forward, while promoting transparency, collaboration, and predictable delivery in support of program goals.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Manage and optimize the flow of value through the Agile Release Train (ART).

  • Manage schedule execution and plan software and architecture releases for the program.

  • Facilitate Program Increment (PI) Planning readiness by fostering a Continuous Exploration process that drives the creation of the Vision, Roadmap, and Backlogs, and by leading pre- and post-PI Planning activities.

  • Facilitate PI Planning events, including logistics coordination and technical preparation.

  • Facilitate cross-team collaboration via Scrum of Scrums and other forums to support development, testing, and deployment efforts.

  • Summarize Team PI Objectives into Program PI Objectives and publish them for visibility and transparency.

  • Assist with tracking the execution of Features and Capabilities using metrics across the program's Agile and DevOps teams.

  • Brief customers on development progress throughout the PI cycle, including the status of testing, deployment, and release readiness.

  • Coordinate release trains, assess impacts to other DevOps processes, and schedule release timelines for fixes and enhancements.

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of the large, complex software system, diverse customer needs, and associated risks.

  • Assess skillset needs and collaborate with leadership to staff program openings appropriately.

  • Coach teams, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Project/Program leaders in Agile practices and leading teams toward higher Agile maturity.

  • Promote teamwork to achieve PI goals.

  • Assist with economic decision-making by facilitating Feature and Capability estimation and rolling up estimates to Epics when necessary.

  • Coach leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in Lean-Agile practices and mindsets.

  • Escalate, track, and drive resolution of impediments.

  • Provide input on resourcing to address critical bottlenecks.

  • Work closely with the contractor Program Management Office (PMO) on program execution.

  • Understand and operate within budgets provided by the CAM/TTO Leads.

  • Drive relentless improvement across the ART.

  • Foster Communities of Practice and encourage the use of engineering excellence and Built-In Quality practices.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, and at least 12 years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree.

  • At least 5 years of experience leading large, complex technical teams, preferably in a SAFe Agile environment.

  • Experience supporting an Agile software development program and managing project timelines in roles such as RTE, Scrum Master, Product Owner, and/or Technical Lead.

  • Hands-on experience with Agile project management tools such as Jira, VersionOne, Rally, and IBM ELM.

  • Experience briefing leadership and customers on key aspects of project status, progress, and overall execution.

  • Experience communicating with and providing status updates to external stakeholders, including customer and government representatives.

  • Strong time-management skills, with the ability to quickly identify when issues require discussion, escalation, or triage.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Mustr be highly detail-oriented, with a strong focus on driving tasks through to completion.

  • Must have a demonstrated ability to quickly understand technical concepts and communicate them effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Mustr have a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while working across diverse systems and stakeholder groups.

  • Clearance Required: Must have TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certifications such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE), or a comparable Agile project management credential such as PMI-ACP.

  • Extensive hands-on experience across the software development lifecycle, including roles such as developer, tester, analyst, product manager, or project/program manager.

  • Demonstrated depth of experience in software development, testing, or systems engineering, with the technical foundation to contribute on program efforts in a participating engineering role such as developer, tester, or systems engineer.

  • Experience in Release Management, Project Management, or Program Management.

  • Demonstrated success influencing and driving change within Agile organizations.

  • Experience working with multi-disciplinary development teams in complex delivery environments.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today.

careers.leidos.com/CONMD

CSSKEY

CONMD

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:August 19, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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