Field Service Technician I

LB Foster • Dublin, OH

3d

About The Position

The Field Service Technician I (FST1) is a safety-critical position that assists with the manufacture, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of LB Foster wayside equipment, including WILD, Rockfall, and Flood Monitoring systems. The role helps ensure uninterrupted system performance and compliance with The Association of American Railroads (AAR) WABL requirements. The technician works directly with customers at their sites and collaborates with Engineering, Project Management, and Operations teams. Extensive travel is required, primarily throughout the United States and Canada, with occasional overseas travel.

The position involves installing, commissioning, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing equipment on customer railroads; assembling and testing complex electronic assemblies; following documented work instructions and ISO quality procedures; and applying safety practices while working outdoors in varied weather, on uneven ground, and on live tracks. The technician operates and maintains company tools and vehicles, reports travel expenses, and may perform other assigned tasks. Weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be necessary.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of prior field service experience preferred.
• Mechanical, electrical, or electronic experience preferred.
• Railroad or trade experience is a plus.
• High school diploma or GED required; an associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• U.S. passport or ability to be granted a U.S. passport.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel up to 75%.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings for this safety-critical position.
• Previous exposure to work environments requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to obtain and maintain E-Rail Safe and railroad-specific RWP certificates.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to work one-on-one with customers and as part of a small team.
• Knowledge of electricity/electronics and ability to solder electronics according to best practices or standards.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to drive a minimum of seven hours per day, rent vehicles, and travel by air.
• Ability to pass a physical exam.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to shovel, dig, and use a sledgehammer as required.
• Ability to use assorted power and hand tools, including grinders, reciprocating saws, hammers, chisels, wrenches, impact drivers, and drills.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while working.

Nice To Haves

• 1–3 years of prior field service experience.
• Mechanical, electrical, or electronic experience.
• Railroad or trade experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, commissioning, maintenance, calibration, and upkeep of customers’ WILD systems and other LB Foster wayside equipment, following safety and installation standards and best practices.
• Prepare rail by drilling through its neutral axis, grind and polish rail surfaces, precision-weld gages with Salient’s proprietary welder, and apply sealant to prevent water ingress.
• Solder wires on PCBs and tag readers; use specialized tools to calibrate systems; and operate mega-ohm meters and multimeters for quality checks.
• Use power and hand tools to install and repair sites, and use a Linux interface for commissioning, calibration, and diagnosis.
• Assemble and test complex electronic assemblies according to documented work instructions.
• Follow company ISO quality processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Submit timely travel expense reports in accordance with company policy.
• Travel extensively throughout North America and occasionally overseas to support customer equipment.
• Work weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary.
• Apply safety rules and safe work habits, identify safety risks, and avoid risky behaviors and situations.
• Work safely outdoors in all weather conditions, on uneven ground, and on live tracks.
• Safely operate, maintain, and care for company-issued tools.
• Operate company vehicles while performing duties.
• Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning the first day of the month after hire.
• Market-leading 401(k) program with company match.
• 10 paid holidays per year and a PTO accrual plan.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• 100% tuition reimbursement.
• Career development and advancement opportunities.
• Competitive compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED