Engineering
Track Laborers and Signal & Communications Assistant
The Engineering Department ensures the safety and quality of our railroad’s infrastructure. This team is responsible for the safe construction, repair, maintenance, and inspection of all aspects of the railroad including tracks, roadbed, bridge structures, drainage systems, rights-of-way, and signal & communication systems.
The Signal & Communications team, operating under the Engineering Department, oversees the railroad’s signal and communication systems, interlockings, power switches, crossing warning systems, and defect detectors. Employees begin as Signal & Communications Assistants and progress through a structured apprenticeship-style program before becoming fully qualified Signal & Communication Technicians.
Everyone starts as a Track Laborer, and with seniority, employees can advance into specialized roles such as Welder Helper, Welder, various Machine Operators, Equipment Mechanics, Bridge & Building Mechanics, Track Inspector, or Track Foreman. Many positions in this department require travel across our system and depending on the role and the 24/7 operational demands, employees may work on an on-call basis after hours.
Engineering Careers
Track Laborer
Track Laborers perform the physically demanding work required to maintain and improve the railroad’s infrastructure. Responsibilities include the construction, removal, installation, repair, and maintenance of railroad tracks, roadbeds, bridge structures, rights-of-way, and other key assets. This role requires outdoor work in all weather conditions and often requires travel across the system. Track Laborers must operate commercials vehicles and are required to successfully obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through a company-sponsored training program.
Signal & Communications Assistant
The starting role on the Signal & Communications team, Assistants enter a two-year, apprenticeship style program, that combines formal education with on-the-job training under an experienced Signal & Communication Technician(s). Their responsibilities include the installation, maintenance, and repair of critical railroad signaling systems, power switches, interlocks, and crossing warning systems to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains. Signal & Communications employees could operate commercials vehicles and are required to successfully obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through a company-sponsored training program.