Train Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Train engineer jobs in Virginia are concentrated along the Northeast Corridor and in the freight corridors anchored by Norfolk, Richmond, and Northern Virginia, where demand runs from entry-level conductors moving toward engineer certification to seasoned road freight and passenger operations specialists. CSX Transportation, Amtrak, and Norfolk Southern all maintain significant Virginia operations and hire regularly across these corridors. Freight locomotive operation, passenger rail service, and yard switching are the most consistently posted specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Train Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Train Engineer jobs
At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.
When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.
Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.
The ATC Engineer is responsible for providing support to Automatic Train Control (ATC) engineering, maintenance and operational activities. The role requires the application of established engineering principles and industry practices to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of rail transit signalling and train control systems. Working with limited supervision, the engineer will independently evaluate technical issues, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with engineering personnel, maintenance personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
Some of the key responsibilities of the position would include:
- Engineering support for preventive and corrective maintenance activities
- Engineering support for construction activities
- Engineering support for typical rail transit system challenges
- Participate in meetings and conference calls representing ATC maintenance as required
- Provide Engineering Bulletins as required to keep ATC maintenance personnel aware of changes to equipment, configuration changes, temporary changes, or safety issues that arise
- Review field conditions and recommend engineering solutions to address equipment deficiencies, reliability concerns, and operational challenges while ensuring compliance with configuration and document control requirements.
- Support investigations of Loss of Shunt alarms and other signaling anomalies, identifying root causes and verifying corrective actions.
- Provide engineering support and troubleshooting for audio frequency track circuits, AC track circuits, and associated signaling equipment.
- Assist in incident investigations and failure analyses to identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
- Develop and maintain technical procedures, reports, and engineering records associated with system maintenance and improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and operations personnel to support project and maintenance objectives.
- Demonstrate accountability for assigned work, including prioritizing tasks, managing workload, and delivering quality outcomes.
- Perform other duties consistent with the role and level of responsibility.
Our team of professionals provides cost-effective and innovative engineering solutions for the North American transportation and infrastructure industry with unprecedented success. We’re looking for an ATC engineer to join our team and invite applications from candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, with typically 3-8 years of relevant professional experience in the design, construction, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and/or operation of rail transit signaling, ATC, CBTC, and/or railroad signaling systems.
- Holding or working towards Professional Engineer (PE) registration is preferred but not essential for this role.
- Working knowledge of rail transit signaling and train control principles, including track circuits, interlockings, wayside signaling, and associated communications equipment.
- Ability to independently assess technical issues and apply established engineering methods and procedures to develop practical solutions.
- Experience using Microsoft 365 Suite, AutoCAD, and electronic test equipment.
- Experience with Procore or similar configuration management/document control software is preferred.
- Experience preparing technical reports, procedures, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to organize workload, manage competing priorities, and deliver work with limited supervision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits & Rewards
The expected salary for this position is $91,000 - $111,000.
Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.
In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.
Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.
Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.
Equal opportunity is the law.
We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.
- English version
- Spanish Version
- Chinese version
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.
At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.
When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.
Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.
The ATC Engineer is responsible for providing support to Automatic Train Control (ATC) engineering, maintenance and operational activities. The role requires the application of established engineering principles and industry practices to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of rail transit signalling and train control systems. Working with limited supervision, the engineer will independently evaluate technical issues, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with engineering personnel, maintenance personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
Some of the key responsibilities of the position would include:
- Engineering support for preventive and corrective maintenance activities
- Engineering support for construction activities
- Engineering support for typical rail transit system challenges
- Participate in meetings and conference calls representing ATC maintenance as required
- Provide Engineering Bulletins as required to keep ATC maintenance personnel aware of changes to equipment, configuration changes, temporary changes, or safety issues that arise
- Review field conditions and recommend engineering solutions to address equipment deficiencies, reliability concerns, and operational challenges while ensuring compliance with configuration and document control requirements.
- Support investigations of Loss of Shunt alarms and other signaling anomalies, identifying root causes and verifying corrective actions.
- Provide engineering support and troubleshooting for audio frequency track circuits, AC track circuits, and associated signaling equipment.
- Assist in incident investigations and failure analyses to identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
- Develop and maintain technical procedures, reports, and engineering records associated with system maintenance and improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and operations personnel to support project and maintenance objectives.
- Demonstrate accountability for assigned work, including prioritizing tasks, managing workload, and delivering quality outcomes.
- Perform other duties consistent with the role and level of responsibility.
Our team of professionals provides cost-effective and innovative engineering solutions for the North American transportation and infrastructure industry with unprecedented success. We’re looking for an ATC engineer to join our team and invite applications from candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, with typically 3-8 years of relevant professional experience in the design, construction, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and/or operation of rail transit signaling, ATC, CBTC, and/or railroad signaling systems.
- Holding or working towards Professional Engineer (PE) registration is preferred but not essential for this role.
- Working knowledge of rail transit signaling and train control principles, including track circuits, interlockings, wayside signaling, and associated communications equipment.
- Ability to independently assess technical issues and apply established engineering methods and procedures to develop practical solutions.
- Experience using Microsoft 365 Suite, AutoCAD, and electronic test equipment.
- Experience with Procore or similar configuration management/document control software is preferred.
- Experience preparing technical reports, procedures, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to organize workload, manage competing priorities, and deliver work with limited supervision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits & Rewards
The expected salary for this position is $91,000 - $111,000.
Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.
In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.
Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.
Collaboration at Our Core
At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.
Equal opportunity is the law.
We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.
- English version
- Spanish Version
- Chinese version
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.
See All 10 Train Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Train Engineer JobsTrain Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Train Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in train engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Federal Railroad Administration locomotive engineer certification required for all revenue service operations
- Valid commercial driver's license or equivalent transportation credential preferred by most Virginia employers
- Minimum two years of railroad conductor or yard operations experience in freight or passenger service
- Ability to pass FRA-mandated vision, hearing, and color-perception medical standards without restriction
- Familiarity with Positive Train Control systems and electronic trip optimizer technology
- Knowledge of railroad operating rules, federal hours-of-service regulations, and hazmat handling procedures
Train Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a train engineer in Virginia?
Becoming a train engineer in Virginia requires earning Federal Railroad Administration locomotive engineer certification, which is the federal credential that authorizes revenue service operation on U.S. railroads. Most Virginia railroads hire candidates as conductors first, then sponsor them through an internal engineer training program that covers rules, simulator time, and supervised territory qualification. A high school diploma or GED is the standard education baseline, and a clean safety record accelerates the path considerably.
Which companies hire train engineers in Virginia?
Companies currently hiring train engineers in Virginia include Parsons, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Accenture Federal Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's position along the busy Northeast Corridor and as a gateway for southeastern freight makes it one of the more active states for ongoing railroad hiring across both passenger and freight operations.
Which Virginia cities have the most train engineer jobs?
Arlington, Reston, and Chantilly account for the largest share of train engineer openings in Virginia. Norfolk and Richmond anchor freight activity through the CSX and Norfolk Southern networks, while Northern Virginia and the Alexandria corridor drive passenger rail demand tied to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and Virginia Railway Express commuter service.
Are there remote train engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they are rare. Train engineering is an inherently on-site, hands-on profession requiring physical presence in the locomotive cab, so most roles are location-specific by definition. About 0% of train engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions typically involve training coordination, operations planning, or simulator instruction rather than active revenue service.
How can I get hired as a train engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a conductor or yard clerk position with one of Virginia's large railroad employers, as CSX and Norfolk Southern both run structured conductor training programs at their Richmond and Norfolk divisions that do not require prior railroad experience. Candidates who hold a commercial driver's license or have worked in transportation logistics, military vehicle operations, or heavy equipment are competitive lateral hires. Completing an FRA track safety or rules course before applying demonstrates seriousness and gives less-experienced applicants an edge.
Where can I find and apply to train engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to train engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and preferred territory, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 10 Train Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Train Engineer Jobs