2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Louisville, KY)
Primary Purpose
Apprentice Signal Trainees will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer satisfaction while achieving the safest most efficient railroad operations.
Principal Duties
- Perform FRA regulatory test and inspections of the signals systems and crossings.
- Install, repair, and maintain, test and inspect various equipment such as signals lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, as well as crossing warning devices as well as the maintenance and repair of automated classification yards.
- Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal and interlocking systems.
- Perform general duties including cable locates, painting and housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
- Use of a wide variety of hand tools, on track high-rail equipment, and test instruments.
- Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, installing equipment, etc.
Training Program
Successful applicants will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in-class theory and lab work with hands-on skill development in the field. The in-class portion of the training program consists of three sessions that are three weeks long each. These sessions are in McDonough, GA and are mandatory.
Pay
- Apprentice First 3 weeks: $1,200.00
- Apprentice 1st Period (130 days): $36.48
- Apprentice 2nd Period (130 days): $36.85
- Assistant Signalmen/Signal Maintainers: $37.98
Medical Benefits
Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependentsUnion Benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - BRS) available after mark-up from Trainee status.Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)$20K Life Insurance401 (K) First Day of EmploymentAfter 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision
Job Related Experience
Minimum Level: 1-2 yearsPreferred Level: 3-5 years
Education
Required: High School diploma or GEDPreferred Level: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer
Licenses / Certifications
- CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)
Skills And Abilities
- Time Management
- Prioritizing Work Demands
- Communication Skills
- Multitasking
- Planning and Organizing
- MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing
Career Path
- Predecessor Jobs: None
- Future Jobs: Supervisor C&S
Work Conditions
- Career Path: None
- Environment: Outdoor/Field
- Shift Work: No
- On-Call: Yes
- Weekend Work: Yes
- Travel Required: Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)
Job Related Experience
Minimum Level: 1-2 yearsPreferred Level: 3-5 years
Education
Required: High School diploma or GEDPreferred Level: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer
Licenses / Certifications
- CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)
Skills And Abilities
- Time Management
- Prioritizing Work Demands
- Communication Skills
- Multitasking
- Planning and Organizing
- MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing
Career Path
- Predecessor Jobs: None
- Future Jobs: Supervisor C&S
Company Overview
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts. At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.