Senior Signal Engineer/Designer

VHB; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse and inclusive culture

Opportunity to work on complex projects

Focus on learning and development

Flexible hybrid workplace

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is looking for a Senior Signal Engineer/Designer to join their Transit and Rail group in Washington, DC. The role involves working on innovative transit projects and requires a strong background in signal engineering design, with 11-15 years of experience. Candidates should hold a BS in Civil Engineering and have skills in project management and computer applications. The position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 11-15 years of professional experience in railroad and/or rail transit engineering design.
• Strong capability in the use of computer applications.
• PE License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports installation and commissioning of rail-based signaling.
• Plans and oversees signal engineering activities.
• Participates in all stages of a signaling project.

Skills

Understanding of railroad and rail transit design requirements

Use of computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Use of project management applications (MS Project, Primavera)

Education

BS in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Senior Signal Engineer/Designer - Transit & Rail – Hybrid – Multiple office locations

VHB's Transit and Rail group is dedicated to transforming transit visions into real‑world solutions that enhance connectivity and support community development. The company’s comprehensive services encompass funding, design, permitting, construction planning, and operations, thus providing end‑to‑end solutions for transit and rail projects.

Overview

As a senior member of the team, you’ll work under minimal direction, performing detailed phases of signal engineering design work for projects with complex features. Exercises independent judgment and decision making in evaluating, selecting, and applying advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform work and make substantial adaptations and modifications as needed. You’ll lead a team in developing signal engineering plans and specifications for a multitude of transit and railroad signaling projects (e.g., train control systems for light and heavy rail transit, and freight, commuter, intercity and high‑speed rail road operations).

Responsibilities

• Supports the installation, testing, and commissioning of rail based signaling, Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), and Positive Train Control (PTC) projects
• Plans, organizes, and oversees signal engineering activities for all phases of a transit and rail road project of significant size and complexity or two or more projects of small to moderate size and complexity
• Participates in all stages of a signaling project from planning and design to installation and commissioning
• Makes recommendations on project staffing
• Develops detailed signal designs and systems, including at grade railroad crossing systems for both constant and fixed warning systems and traffic preemption functions
• Develops and modifies electrical circuits
• Performs feasibility studies and analysis, including braking calculations, control tables, routes and aspects, schematics, and phasing plans
• Supports key stages of the installation, testing and commissioning of rail based signaling, Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), and Positive Train Control (PTC) projects

Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering or related field
• 11‑15 years of professional experience in railroad and/or rail transit and engineering design
• Clear understanding of railroad and rail transit design requirements including AREMA recommended practices
• Familiarity with track, station, layover facility and general civil engineering
• Strong capability in use of computer applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Capability in the use of project management applications such as MS Project or Primavera
• PE License preferred

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in New York City is $140,000‑180,000, estimate for a position located in Boston, MA is $130,000–$170,000; estimate for a position based in Washington, DC is $130,000‑170,000. This offer is determined based on a number of job‑related factors including internal comparators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities and geographic location. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here.

Benefits

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best‑in‑class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep‑rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.