Engineering Signal Management Trainee 2027

BNSF Railway • Chicago, IL

60d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Signal Engineering Management Trainee, you'll dive into the critical technology ensuring train safety and efficiency across a vast freight network. Your role will cover the spectrum of signal systems, from design and installation to maintenance, including advanced train control mechanisms and grade crossing protections. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, you'll learn how innovative technologies are applied to maintain and enhance railway operations. This program not only sets the stage for a thriving career in signal engineering but also opens pathways to leadership opportunities within the railway's technological forefront.
This is a full-time (minimum 40hrs/wk) position in a 24x7 operations environment, subject to on-call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Travel and Relocation is required. After the 12-month program candidates must be flexible with their location (as they could be moved depending on business needs), must have reliable transportation to and from work and travel up to 75% of the time.
Accelerate your career over 6 months of training.
Begin with an invigorating one-week orientation at our Fort Worth headquarters, immersing yourself in BNSF culture and forging connections with industry leaders.
Sharpen your skills at our Technical Training Center for two to three weeks in Overland Park, delving into technical intricacies and personnel management.
The remainder of your journey entails immersive on-the-job field training, offering hands-on experience across diverse departments.
Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position. Please check your e-mail daily.
Daily work is conducted in an indoor/outdoor safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.
At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire AND have a valid Driver's License or will have a valid Driver's License upon hire.
• Does not require BNSF’s assistance, now or in the future, (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Capable of working in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. Role includes climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel up to 75% of the time based on business needs.
• Able and willing to relocate anywhere on the BNSF Railway operating system (western 28 states) upon hire, for the summer, and travel to other locations as required. If you have any location restrictions, please answer "No."
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, etc.), Construction Management, Business, OR a similar degree program from an accredited university to be completed prior to hire OR I have obtained a degree in a program described above.
• Have and/or will graduate with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience/military service, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Nice To Haves

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Engineering, Business, Construction, or a related field
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, repair, and construct our signal infrastructure, along our right of way including wayside signals, highway grade crossings, and signal bungalows.
• Plan/Schedule required maintenance and repairs and verify the quality of work completed.
• Expand and update BNSF infrastructure and oversee projects that interact with BNSF property.
• Responsible for the safety of their teams.
• Manage the finances & schedules of their project and communication with project stakeholders.
• Opportunity to shadow positions such as Signal Supervisor, Signal Construction Supervisor, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, and Director of Signal to gain boots on the ground experience.

Benefits

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level