Mechanical Shop Laborer - Belen, NM

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence. We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world. We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

About the role

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway where joining the Mechanical Department offers you the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The Mechanical Shop Laborer position plays a critical role in assisting skilled mechanics with maintenance and repair work on locomotives and other equipment, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of trains.

This is a full-time (40 hrs/wk) position and is subject to seniority-based union agreement-governed shift assignment, including overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Travel is minimal. Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job training.

Job Location: Belen, NM. Anticipated Start Date: 08/31/2026. Number of Positions: 2.

Responsibilities

• Keep work areas clean and orderly and operate industrial maintenance equipment within a shop environment.
• Operate forklift, mobile crane, track mobile, shop tractor, and power hand tools.
• Sand, fuel, and clean locomotives as well as clean and organize shop work areas (sweeping and cleaning work surfaces, storing parts, emptying, and discarding garbage).
• Operate power-driven equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, electric broom, or steam cleaning gun.
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment with 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.
• Adhere to safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations, including wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Requirements

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the described working conditions.
• Able to work the required shift/hours.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs without assistance.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors (red, blue, green, yellow).
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Ability to climb ladders, get on/off equipment, and occasionally work from various heights.
• Ability to bend, walk, stand, and sit occasionally with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.

Union membership is with the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers, and union dues are required per union agreement. Relocation assistance is not available, and there is a 120 working day probationary period.

Pay

Pay rate: $29.50–$36.87/hr with approximate annual pay of $61,351–$76,689.

Schedule

Full-time (40 hrs/wk) with seniority-based union agreement-governed shift assignment, including overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Benefits

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents, including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options.
• Life insurance provided at no cost to you.
• Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help meet retirement goals.
• Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more.

Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement. For more information, visit Benefits.