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Transit Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis seeks a results-driven Project Director - Rail Transit to join our Los Angeles team of ...

Transit Practice Leader

San Jose, CA · On-site

$165K - $280K/yr

A bachelor's or master's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent work experience and professional ... Excellent knowledge of transit operations and best practices * Good communicator, particularly with ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Project Manager - Rail & Transit

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Parsons
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Project Manager to join our growing Rail and Transit Team. In this role you will get to work on some of the premier Rail and Transit projects in the West Region! We are seeking candidates that have led multi-disciplined Design Teams to deliver large, complex rail transit system infrastructure and/or facilities for the industry. In this role, you will lead integrated design teams, working in close coordination with builders/developers; perform project planning; define project goals; and devise methods to organize and deliver the engineering tasks necessary to accomplish the work. In addition, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of client objectives while implementing contract terms and corporate policies, and manage budgets and schedules to meet the financial goals of the project. Further, you will lead the project execution to meet the customer's requirements and criteria.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Apply in-depth knowledge of client objectives, contract terms, and corporate policies, and familiar with the integration of engineering/technical aspects, as well as procurement and construction activities.

  • Develop teaming partner strategies in various capacities on large design-build pursuits.

  • Work closely with proposal development teams to prepare RFP responses and conduct price negotiations with subcontractors.

  • Oversee establishment of Project Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan, and other documents as required.

  • Establishes program requirements for all areas of the project and monitors draft and final deliverables for adherence to these criteria.

  • Plans, directs, supervises, and controls execution of all business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions of assigned projects.

  • Mobilizes company resources, through liaison with support departments, other offices, or subsidiaries, to create project teams capable of completing effective, quality work.

  • Works with other managers, project engineers, and discipline leads to develop budgets, schedules, and plans for the various elements projects. Ensures that projects meet or exceed goals established in these plans.

  • Responsible for the coordination and quality control of all design work and design processes throughout full design and construction, including accuracy, adequacy, and conformance to professional standards of practice.

  • Responsible for rejecting or approving design work, resolving disputes regarding engineering work integrating design into final constructed products

  • Work with transit agencies, municipalities, third parties, utilities and other stakeholders to ensure project success.

  • Work with contracting partners to design and implement cost effective solutions.

  • Act as the Company representative with clients and selected subcontractors during the program/project execution.

  • Negotiate changes to scopes of work with clients and key subcontractors.

  • Participate in negotiations with regulatory agencies and in public meetings in support project goals.

  • Promotes technical and commercial excellence on projects through application of Quality Assurance processes.

  • Understands local subcontractor market and has existing relationships to build project teams.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering or related technical/business field

  • Minimum (10) years of experience in a senior technical role in design or construction engineering.

  • Thorough knowledge of rail and transit industry practices and regulations

  • Experience as a Design Lead on a major transportation infrastructure project

  • Experience in leading projects from Concept/Initial Project Definition to 30% to final design including accurate costing/scheduling

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer Licensed in California is preferred

Security Clearance Requirement:

NoneThis position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.


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