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Traveling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track ... The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track ... The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track ... The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track ... The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform ...

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Traveling Engineer information

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$24K

$84.5K

$161.5K

How much do traveling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for traveling engineer in the United States is $84,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Traveling Engineers face, and how can they prepare for them?

Traveling Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new environments, managing frequent travel schedules, and working with diverse teams across multiple locations. Preparing for these challenges includes developing strong organizational skills, being adaptable to different work cultures, and maintaining effective communication with both on-site and remote colleagues. Many companies provide support through travel policies, training, and clear lines of communication, but being proactive in planning travel logistics and staying flexible is key to success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Traveling Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, troubleshooting, and fieldwork, often backed by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, CAD software, and industry-specific equipment is typically required for on-site problem-solving. Strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills are crucial for managing diverse projects and collaborating with clients in various locations. These competencies are essential for delivering effective technical solutions and maintaining high service standards while working independently in different environments.

What are Traveling Engineers?

Traveling Engineers are professionals who provide engineering expertise and technical support in various locations, often moving from one job site to another. Their work typically involves installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting equipment and systems for clients across different regions or countries. This role requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while on the road. Traveling Engineers are common in industries such as manufacturing, energy, construction, and technology, where onsite technical support is essential. They often spend significant time away from home, making travel a core part of their job.

What is the difference between Traveling Engineer vs Field Service Technician?

AspectTraveling EngineerField Service Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications may varyTechnical certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at client locations, travel involvedOn-site at customer sites, local or regional travel
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, energy, transportationElectronics, machinery, industrial equipment
Work ScopeInstallations, troubleshooting, system upgradesRepairs, maintenance, technical support

Traveling Engineers and Field Service Technicians both work on-site at client locations, often traveling for their roles. However, Traveling Engineers typically have an engineering background and handle more complex system installations and upgrades, while Field Service Technicians focus on repairs and routine maintenance. Both roles are essential in industries like manufacturing and energy, but their scope and required credentials differ.

What Does a Traveling Engineer Do?

As a traveling engineer, you provide on-site support for a system. The form of the system can take a variety of shapes and engineers are needed for environmental, civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and electronic systems. Depending on the size and focus of your organization, you may be asked to oversee multiple projects, manage regional development, coordinate with engineers abroad, provide input on new construction, and lead workshops to educate other employees. The amount of travel varies by company, but you may be asked to spend more than 50% of your time away from home. If your company frequently sends you overseas, speaking the corresponding local language can help you stand out from other applicants.

What cities are hiring for Traveling Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Traveling Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Traveling Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Traveling Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Traveling Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Traveling Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Traveling Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,487 per year, or $40.6 per hour.
Traveling Engineer / Conductor

Traveling Engineer / Conductor

OmniTRAX

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad; operates trains safely by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight in a satisfactory manner. The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform their duties when business needs arise, while maintaining their current location as their primary. Executes the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and handling. Ensures clear communication with dispatcher and track authority; receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company policies and procedures and Federal Railroad Association rules and regulations to meet company objectives.
The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX's continued success.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the FRA
  • Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
  • Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls
  • Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes
  • Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
  • Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew
  • Coordinate execution of railcar switch list
  • Communicate with other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
  • Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
  • Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
  • Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
  • Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
  • Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material
  • Prepare required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders
  • Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary
  • May couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains
  • Judge speed and distance of moving objects or parts
  • Recall information required from work activity

OTHER DUTIES
  • Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 2-3 years of Train Services experience
  • Aptitude in the Transportation field and desire to learn
  • Pass post-offer job and health related examinations including: operating rules examination, vision and hearing test
  • Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train
  • Read, comprehend and comply with published rules, procedures and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information
  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents
  • Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all level of employees, and business associates in a clear concise and professional manner
  • Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
  • Professional integrity and accountability
  • Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • Valid State Driver's License
  • FRA Conductor Certified
  • FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • None

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temps; loud noise and fumes from gas, oil and grease

TRAVEL
  • Will require in-state and out-of-state travel and overnight stay in some circumstances

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Strength
Frequency
Weight/ Force
Side
Parameters
Occ
Freq
Cons
Height From
Height To
Lifting - Knuckle
X
85 lb
Two Hands
0 in
46 in
Height
Rotation
Grip Pattern
Pushing - Auto Rack Brake
X
83 lb
Two Hands
67.5 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch
X
133.7 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - Pin Lifter
X
86 lb
Either
25 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car
X
129.3 lb
Right
36 in
Neutral
Hook
Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car
X
136.2 lb
Right
36 in
Neutral
Hook
Pulling - Ground Switch
X
46.8 lb
Two Hands
5 in
Supinated
Cylinder
Pulling - Derail
X
57.5 lb
Two Hands
7 in
Pronated
Cylinder
Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch
X
75.1 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - High Stand Switch
X
87 lb
Two Hands
36 in
Pronated
Cylinder
Pulling - Align Knuckle
X
160.4 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Hook
Grip & Pinch
Frequency
Weight/ Force
Parameters
Occ
Freq
Cons
Side
Rotation
Grip Setting/Type
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip
X
47 lb
Left
Neutral
3
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip
X
47 lb
Right
Neutral
3
Upper Body
Frequency
Description
Occ
Freq
Cons
Reaching - Below Knee
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee.
Reaching - Over Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.
Reaching - Knee to Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.
Handling - Both
X
Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.
Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation
X
Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.
Cervical Flexion/Extension
X
Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Cervical
X
Rotating at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar
X
Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Lower Body
Frequency
Description
Occ
Freq
Cons
Sitting
X
Remaining in a seated position.
Standing
X
Remaining on one's feet in an upright position without moving about.
Walking
X
Moving about on foot.
Climbing
X
Ascending or descending between two points.
Balancing
X
Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
Stooping
X
Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.
Kneeling - Two Knees
X
Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.
Crouching/Squatting
X
Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
Other Physical Demands
Frequency
Type/Position/Description
Occ
Freq
Cons
Vision
X
Per FRA Requirements
Hearing
X
Per FRA Requirements
*Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.
*Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.
*Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.