Also called: Signal Design Engineer, PTC Engineer, CBTC Engineer
Designs the signal systems, Positive Train Control, and computer-based train controls that keep trains from colliding.
You design the logic for how signals and switches at a busy junction lock against each other so two trains can never be routed into the same track. Then you test it in a lab and on the real line, often at night when trains aren't running.
Based on BLS electrical engineers; rail signal specialists are in high demand.
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 electrical engineering, often plus a PE license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Grows with transit expansions and train control upgrades.
Low risk for 10 years. AI aids design and testing; safety-critical signal systems need licensed engineers, and train-control upgrades are growing.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Electronics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2071.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.