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Trainee Rail Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Rail Engineer information

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$23.5K

$77.8K

$139K

How much do trainee rail engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee rail engineer in the United States is $77,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and hands-on experience can a Trainee Rail Engineer expect during their early career?

As a Trainee Rail Engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects ranging from track maintenance and upgrades to the design of new rail infrastructure. Early in your career, you can expect to work closely with experienced engineers on site surveys, data collection, and safety assessments. Many organizations also provide rotational programs, allowing you to gain exposure to different aspects of rail engineering such as signaling, civil works, and project management. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building technical skills and understanding the operational challenges unique to the rail industry.

How much do rail engineers get paid?

Rail engineers typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and allowances for working in challenging environments.

What does a Trainee Rail Engineer do?

A Trainee Rail Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in the design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems and infrastructure. Their responsibilities often include supporting experienced engineers in surveying sites, preparing technical drawings, conducting safety checks, and learning about railway standards and regulations. Trainee Rail Engineers gain practical experience on-site and may also participate in classroom or online training as part of their development. The goal is to develop the skills and knowledge required to progress to a fully qualified Rail Engineer role.

How to become a railroad engineer with no experience?

To become a trainee rail engineer with no experience, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program provided by railway companies. Relevant skills include good communication, technical understanding, and the ability to work in a safety-critical environment; obtaining certifications such as a railway safety card can also be beneficial.

What is the difference between Trainee Rail Engineer vs Rail Signaller?

AspectTrainee Rail EngineerRail Signaller
Required credentialsBasic engineering qualifications, training programsSignalling certifications, safety training
Work environmentConstruction sites, maintenance areas, rail yardsControl rooms, signal boxes, operational centers
Employer and industry usageRail companies, engineering firmsRail operators, signalling companies

While both roles are essential in the rail industry, a Trainee Rail Engineer focuses on infrastructure, maintenance, and engineering tasks, often working outdoors or on-site. In contrast, a Rail Signaller manages train movements from control centers, ensuring safety and efficiency. The roles require different certifications but share a common industry environment and safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Rail Engineer, you generally need a degree or diploma in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with CAD software, railway design tools, and safety regulations is typically required, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant internships or industry certifications. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability help trainees collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary projects and respond to challenges in dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative rail infrastructure development.

Are railroad engineers in demand?

Railroad engineers, including trainee rail engineers, are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for maintenance of rail networks. The industry values skills in safety protocols, technical knowledge, and certifications, which can lead to stable employment opportunities.

How much does a locomotive engineer trainee make?

A locomotive engineer trainee typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the company, location, and level of experience. Trainees often receive on-the-job training and may start with a lower salary that increases as they gain certifications and experience in operating trains and safety procedures.
More about Trainee Rail Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Rail Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Rail Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Rail Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Rail Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Rail Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Rail Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,836 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Engineering Technician Trainee / Senior Engineering Technician (NY HELPS) - Region 7

Engineering Technician Trainee / Senior Engineering Technician (NY HELPS) - Region 7

New York State

Watertown, NY

$38K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description When assigned to Design, typical duties include, but are not limited to: Selected candidate will assist engineering and higher-level technician staff in performing field and office engineering work by performing technical duties in support of engineers or engineering programs. Duties include but are not limited to: Performing routine technical tasks such as taking measurements, checking computations, collecting and compiling data, taking notes, producing maps and plans, and making simple calculations. These tasks may also be performed at field locations.

Use of various computer applications and CADD in the performance of these duties is expected. Serving as a member of the field survey crew, assisting with survey operations under the direction of the survey crew chief and Regional Land Surveyor. When assigned to Construction, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: An Engineering Technician Trainee (ETT) and a Senior Engineering Technician (SET) can be assigned to work in field assignments on construction projects and in the Technical Services Unit.

Engineering Technician Trainees (ETT)/Senior Engineering Technicians (SET) perform civil engineering technical support activities for engineering projects and programs. Under the direction of an Engineer in Charge (EIC), an ETT/SET inspects one or more contractor's operations to assure compliance with plans and specifications; takes necessary material tests, interprets plans and specifications, conveys information to the contractor; prepares daily work reports, documenting contractor's operations; takes measurements, performs computations and records item pay quantities; Prepares final record plans. Under the direction of EIC, monitors contractor's compliance with miscellaneous provisions of contract such as EEO Labor Provisions, MBE/WBE, training, wage rates, job safety, work zone traffic control and environmental concerns.

Instructs seasonal and lesser experienced inspectors in project duties as needed. An ETT/SET may also perform work in the Technical Services Unit including, but not limited to material production and plant inspection, project site material testing, material mix design testing/verification, pavement and bridge deck coring, aggregate testing, and technical document preparation. An ETT/SET may also be assigned to a field survey crew or the Regional Office to assist higher level technicians and/or Engineers.

Overnight stays, night work, and weekend work may be required for field assignments. When assigned to Planning and Program Management, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Maintain the Local Highway Inventory (LHI). Assist Railroad coordinator in maintaining the crossing inventory.

Preparation of a range of documents and reports using the Microsoft Office suite of products. GIS Data input/analysis and map preparation using ARCGIS. Periodic field work to support different efforts within the office including, but not limited to data collection, traffic counts and site visits.

Answer calls from public regarding traffic data and act as Regional liaison with the traffic count contractor. Provide CAD drafting support using Bentley suite of products to support various groups within the Planning office. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Engineer Technician Trainee: Either 1. one year of experience assisting in engineering, engineering technology, engineering management technology, architecture or architectural technology, environmental technology, electronics, electronics technology, landscape design, materials laboratory technology, drafting or surveying, AND graduation from high school or possession of diploma issued by a recognized educational authority; Or 2

18 semester credit hours of college course work in mathematics, physical science, geology, engineering or engineering technology, architecture or architectural technology, construction technology, environmental technology, landscape architecture/design, drafting, forestry, surveying, aeronautics, electronics, or electronics technology; Or 3. graduation from a high school technical program (recognized by an accrediting agency as meeting acceptable program practices and standards) in CAD/CAM, construction technology, drafting, engineering, engineering graphics, electronics, or electronics technology. Note: Upon successful completion of the 52-week traineeship, candidates will be automatically advanced to the Senior Engineering Technician position (SG-13).

Senior Engineering Technician: In addition to the Trainee requirements listed above, you must also have: Either 1. two years of experience assisting in engineering, engineering technology, engineering management technology, architecture or architectural technology, environmental technology, electronics, electronics technology, landscape design, materials laboratory technology, drafting or surveying; and graduation from high school or possession of an equivalent diploma; Or 2. an associate's degree in mathematics, physical science, geology, engineering or engineering technology, architecture or architectural technology, construction technology, environmental technology, landscape architecture/design, drafting, forestry, surveying, aeronautics, electronics, or electronics technology.

Substitution: a certificate in CAD/CAM, construction technology, drafting, engineering, engineering graphics or electronics, may substitute for one year of the experience; or 36 semester college credit hours in mathematics, physical science, geology, engineering or engineering technology, architecture or architectural technology, construction technology, environmental technology, landscape architecture or landscape design, drafting, forestry, surveying, aeronautics, electronics or electronics technology may substitute for experience at the rate of 18 semester credit hours equaling one year of experience. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Additional Comments Additional Information *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency

A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt Telecommuting opportunities to be discussed at interview. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The New York State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

Women, minority group members, disabled personas and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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