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Transit Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Mid-Atlantic Transit Engineering Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

HDR is seeking a Transit Engineering Leader to guide a successful and growing practice in the Mid-Atlantic (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia). This leader will provide programmatic and technical ...

Mid-Atlantic Transit Engineering Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

HDR is seeking a Transit Engineering Leader to guide a successful and growing practice in the Mid-Atlantic (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia). This leader will provide programmatic and technical ...

Mid-Atlantic Transit Engineering Lead

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

HDR is seeking a Transit Engineering Leader to guide a successful and growing practice in the Mid-Atlantic (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia). This leader will provide programmatic and technical ...

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Railroad & Transit team in Washington, D.C. SUMMARY The Sr. Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$67.4K

$126.4K

$229.9K

How much do transit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit engineer in Washington is $126,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $150,100.00 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.

Infographic showing various Transit Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,434 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Rail and Transit Engineer

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP
Civil Engineering Constructionย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$160K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and deliver quality transit/rail services on-time, within budget, and to client satisfaction

  • Prepare and modify reports, specifications, plans, schedules, environmental studies, and designs for projects

  • Coordinate and oversee rail track engineering and design services, including reviewing design efforts and ensuring accuracy


Job description

At Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, we are "People Focused and Project Driven". We have been in business for more than 110 years and we are known for our quality work and quality employees. This is your chance to join our team - help us to design the infrastructure that improve the world! 

Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP is seeking a motivated engineer with skills and/or focus on track engineering for freight railroads and/or public transit agencies. The candidate will be responsible for coordination and oversight of a wide variety of rail related design projects including, but not limited to MDOT Maryland Transit Administration, CSXT, WMATA, Amtrak, DRPT, and VPRA. 

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: 

  • Responsible for managing and delivering quality transit/rail services on-time, within budget and to the satisfaction of the client
  • Prepares and modifies reports, specifications, plans, schedules, environmental studies, and designs for projects. 
  • Serve as a technical resource leading a team providing rail track engineering and design services for clients
  • Prepare cost estimate, determine scope of work, and prepare proposals and contracts on projects
  • Coordinate and ensure completeness and accuracy of design effort
  • Uses design software to prepare engineering and design documents. 
  • Submits documents to federal, state, and local agencies for review and obtains permits required. 
  • Participates in Design/Build efforts including consulting with contractor/construction personnel concerning design constructability as related to field conditions, sequencing and scheduling of construction activities. 
  • Attends onsite and offsite client meetings.
  • Serves as technical liaison with clients on project efforts and coordinates technical efforts within discipline areas. 
  • Evaluates need for design changes and makes appropriate recommendations. 
  • Participates in project scoping and fee estimating and proposal preparation, interviews, and negotiations. 
  • Reviews assigned project(s) after award to define project scope, determine work procedures/sequences and develops schedules and budgets
  • Provides coordination of project execution and control, in a given discipline area, to achieve continuity of purpose within scope, budget, and time schedules from initial start-up through project closeout
  • Perform design calculations and conduct investigative analyses toward completion of assigned design tasks, and direct preparation of design specifications
  • Organize scheduling of specific tasks and assignments
  • Uses senior-level technical expertise to consider broad range of engineering solutions
  • Responsible for the discipline-specific planning, work distribution, and leadership and adherence to the schedule, and budget on complex or unusual engineering projects

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering 
  • 16+ years of track design experience
  • Professional Engineer, P.E. in Maryland. DC and Virginia PE’s a plus
  • Demonstrated knowledge of rail track design, management and implementation of transit/passenger/freight rail projects
  • Familiarity with MDOT MTA, MDOT SHA, MDTA and other local agencies such as the City of Baltimore DOT a plus
  • Advanced knowledge of the practical application of engineering principles, practices, and techniques, including AREMA guidelines
  • Demonstrated experience in Microstation V8i, Inroads, and Open Rail 
  • Skill in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel
  • Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail
  • Ability to demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented

Benefits:

WRA recognizes that employees play an important role in its success. Our commitment to full-time employees is reflected in the comprehensive benefits package we offer:

  • Flexible work schedule options
  • Competitive salary
  • Leave accrual and paid holidays
  • Healthcare benefits
  • Group Life Insurance, as well as additional optional life Insurance, short and long term disability insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursement
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Parental and maternity leave benefits

WRA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.

The expected compensation range for this position is $160,000.00 - $240,000.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. WRA will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity. (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)
     

 Position # 3270

#LI - Onsite  #LI - Senior Level