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Transit Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Downtown Los Angeles office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Transit team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * The selected ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Downtown Los Angeles office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Transit team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * The selected ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Kimley-Horn's Downtown Los Angeles office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Transit team! This is not a remote position. * The selected candidate will contribute ...

Kimley-Horn

Civil Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Downtown Los Angeles office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Transit team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * The selected ...

GMV

Field Engineer - Transit Technology

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Field Engineer - Transit Technology Remote 2 Open Positions: Sacramento & Houston 50% Travel Required Compensation: $100k - $110k base + bonus + benefits Are you passionate about technology and ...

HNTB Corporation

Engineer III - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Civil Engineer with design experience in transit, rail, and bus projects. * Construction experience on projects within LA County and/or with LA Metro. * Engineer in Training (EIT) certification

HNTB

Engineer III - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $149K/yr

Civil Engineer with design experience in transit, rail, and bus projects. * Construction experience on projects within LA County and/or with LA Metro. * Engineer in Training (EIT) certification

HNTB

Project Engineer - Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $187K/yr

Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and ... transit agencies such as LA Metro, California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Metrolink, and ...

HNTB

Project Engineer, Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $187K/yr

Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and ... transit agencies such as LA Metro, California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Metrolink, and ...

HNTB Corporation

Project Engineer, Transit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $187K/yr

Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and ... transit agencies such as LA Metro, California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Metrolink, and ...

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Transit Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do transit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit engineer in California is $110,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit engineer?

Transit engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the construction and maintenance of public transportation systems such as subways, light rail, and bus networks. They work to ensure that these systems are safe, efficient, and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Transit engineers collaborate with urban planners, government agencies, and contractors to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance the commuter experience in urban areas.

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

To thrive as a Transit Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and transportation modeling tools is typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate across teams and address complex transit challenges. Mastery of these skills ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable design and operation of public transportation systems.

What are some common challenges transit engineers face when coordinating with multiple stakeholders on large infrastructure projects?

Transit Engineers often work on complex projects that require collaboration with government agencies, contractors, consultants, and community groups. One common challenge is aligning the diverse priorities and timelines of these stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Effective communication, project management, and negotiation skills are essential to navigate differing expectations and keep projects on track. Being adaptive and proactive in addressing concerns can help streamline decision-making and minimize delays.

What is the difference between Transit Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransit EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license typically required
Work EnvironmentPublic transit agencies, transportation departments, urban planning projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban development
Industry UsageTransportation planning, transit system design, rail and bus infrastructureRoads, bridges, dams, airports, and other infrastructure

Transit Engineers focus on designing and maintaining public transportation systems, working closely with transit agencies. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in urban development projects, but Transit Engineers specialize in transit-specific systems.

What cities in California are hiring for Transit Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Transit Engineer job openings:

Transit Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transit Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 78% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Senior Transit Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Cordoba Corporation
Civil Engineering Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Cordoba Corporationexternal

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Cordoba Corporation, a leading civil engineering firm based in California, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Senior Transit Engineer to play a pivotal role in our Transportation Sector. The candidate must have a minimum of 10 years' experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway projects. 


  • Serve as project manager or discipline lead for railroad or civil engineering design projects and other offices to support the transportation sector and other sectors as needed.   
  • Support the firm by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities. 
  • Manage scope, budget, and schedule, as well as the development of design criteria, specifications, project guides, project meeting notes, and cost-estimating activities.   
  • Perform railroad, transit, and/or civil engineering/design planning, analysis, and design aspects of rail and rail-related transportation projects.   
  • Lead and/or perform detailed QC reviews of projects.   
  • Support Project Managers by leading or participating in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.   
  • Attend industry events and represent the firm as needed.   
  • Manage, supervise, mentor younger staff, and support technical development.  
  • Periodic travel for client visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections, as needed 
  • Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.   
  • Provide leadership across technical disciplines.  
  • Perform other duties as needed. 

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field 
  • Minimum 10 years' experience in railway engineering and managing complex multidisciplinary railway/transit projects 
  • A minimum of EIT/FE certificate, with plans to achieve license within 1 year of hire
  • Skilled in technical writing, communicating and presenting to clients and the public 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team on railway/transit projects
  • Proficiency using Autodesk Civil 3D
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Software)
  • Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering and/or other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria.

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Minimum 15 years' experience in civil design experience with at least 5 years within the rail and/or transit engineering industry and 2 years within managing railway or civil projects 
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License in California 
  • Proven, hands-on experience in all aspects of railroad and/or civil design projects. 
  • Skilled in railroad horizontal and vertical alignments, earthwork modeling, drainage design, and plan production 
  • Knowledge of railroad analysis programs, and railroad and/or civil design software. 
  • Experience using OpenRoads/OpenRail or other BIM Software, MicroStation, Autodesk (AutoCAD, Geopak, etc.).
  • Demonstrated leadership, str

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