Also called: Rail Infrastructure Engineer
Designs and maintains train tracks, from freight lines to subways and high-speed rail.
You plan the curve of a new light-rail line, check how fast trains can safely take it, and review data from a track-inspection car that spotted worn rails. Night shifts are common, because track work happens when trains are not running.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in civil engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Civil Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Civil engineers overall.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automated track-inspection cars and AI flag defects; field surveys, design fixes and safety calls stay human.
Classes: Physics, Algebra II, Drafting, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2051.
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