Apprentice Diesel Electrician - Melrose Park, IL

Rate of pay: $36.36 per hour. Most communications will be done electronically.

About the role

Join a team of Apprentice Diesel Electricians with Union Pacific! As an Apprentice Diesel Electrician, you will train in the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the electrical components on diesel-electric locomotives under the guidance of a journeyman Locomotive Electronic Technician-Diesel Electrician. You will work in and around our locomotive shops to diagnose issues, make necessary repairs, and complete maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Using schematics and location circuit plans: perform scheduled electrical inspections and circuit tests of various components, perform maintenance and repair of electrical components in locomotive cabs or electrical compartments, and perform maintenance to equipment in accordance with company standards.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical systems and components to assess the nature of each problem, plan and coordinate work activities, determine equipment needs, and develop sequences of steps needed to complete work.
• Work with shop machinery, equipment, and tools.
• Verbally and in writing, share technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information with others.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and/or customers and diplomatically handle conflicting opinions.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Computer experience with basic keyboarding skills.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworkers and supervisors.
• Able to understand and apply basic mechanical principles to solve mechanical problems.
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (e.g., operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents).
• Successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed a formal electrical training program (e.g., training presented by a community college, trade/vocational school, or military).
• Able to perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions into decimals and decimals into fractions to solve practical problems.
• Able to extract relevant information from tables, charts, graphs, and text.
• An Associate’s degree in electricity or electronics.
• Experience with large motor generators and/or high-voltage circuitry.
• Experience working with electronics and/or electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience working with, on, and around moving heavy equipment (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience).
• Experience working outdoors in variable weather conditions (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience).
• Experience working in an environment that requires wearing personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Entry-level experience reading and understanding electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Willing to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
• Willing and able to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Certificate in electronics, electricity, or equivalent education.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT).
• Mobility: Ability to navigate uneven surfaces safely while maintaining balance.
• Visual Ability: Normal color vision to detect and interpret various visual color signals and displays; capable of determining the speed of moving objects at both close and distant ranges.
• Prolonged Standing and Sitting: Able to remain in a standing or sitting position for more than half of each workday, with opportunities to periodically change positions for comfort.
• Hand Coordination: Required to make frequent coordinated hand movements for tasks such as grasping, placing, or moving objects.
• Sensory Responsiveness: Ability to respond promptly to unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally required to push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 65 lbs.
• Physical Stamina: Capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, which may include occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Climbing and Balancing: Ability to perform overhead work, climb, and maintain balance for accessing locomotives and equipment.

Work Conditions

• Willingness to practice safe work habits.
• Agree to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection where required.
• Work at heights of 18 feet or more.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
• Minimum age requirement: 18 years or older.

Benefits

• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, collectively bargained for through union membership.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs.