2025 Field Engineering Trainee (Various Locations) at Norfolk Southern

University of Delaware; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Railroad Retirement benefits

Supervisor Pension Program

401k match

Health benefits

Job summary

A leading transportation company seeks Field Engineering Trainees to join their operations team. This role includes extensive outdoor training, hands-on maintenance of railroad tracks, and opportunities for career growth within the company. Successful candidates will have a safety mindset and leadership experience, with the ability to adapt and communicate effectively. The role involves relocation across various training sites and includes a competitive salary starting at $82,000 annually, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Preferred majors include Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Construction Management, General Engineering.
• In lieu of a degree: 4+ years leader experience in military or industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Train in hands-on roles for railroad inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
• Manage teams for efficient railroad operations and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Attention to safety

Team leadership

Ability to adapt

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in relevant fields

4+ years of leadership and industrial experience

Job description

2025 Field Engineering Trainee (Various Locations)

Date: Aug 25, 2025

Location: Birmingham, AL; Sandusky, OH; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati, OH; Elkhart, IN; Chattanooga, TN; Atlanta, GA; Altoona, PA

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

Job Description

Field Engineering Trainees in Norfolk Southern’s Maintenance of Way department play a vital role in our operations team. Trainees will train under current supervisors who are responsible for managing teams of unionized employees to directly lead the inspections, repair, and maintenance of our railroad tracks and bridges. Our extensive new hire trainee program will educate you on the intricacies of working on the railroad to accomplish this goal.

During training, you will learn train and track dynamics, track inspection, construction, and maintenance operations, and much more. After successful completion of the six‑month training program, you will be able to inspect our railroad tracks, remediate defects, manage maintenance employees such as rail gangs that replace rail and spikes, tie gangs that perform scheduled crosstie replacement, and bridge and structures gangs that maintain and repair the bridges and trestles on the railroad. Supervisors are responsible for managing a territory spanning dozens of miles that can include one or more rail terminals supporting an operation that runs 24/7.

Interested applicants must have a desire to work hands‑on and in a field‑oriented position. Trainees are placed at select training locations across our 22‑state network. Therefore, all candidates must be willing to relocate for this training and future job placements. Interested in seeing what it's like to be a Norfolk Southern Track Supervisor in the Engineering department? Watch this 2-minute video to find out more.

What makes a successful trainee in the Maintenance of Way department?

• Individuals who understand the only way we work is SAFELY
• Candidates who are looking for a career in field supervision, not a desk job
• Candidates who understand they will relocate for this and future opportunities
• Candidates who understand they will work hands‑on and outdoors any time of day
• A self‑starter who can work with limited direct supervision
• Candidates who can plan, manage time and people, adapt on the fly, and clearly communicate
• Candidates who can lead a team by example, we call it "Leading from the Front!"

Education / Experience

• Preferred Level: Bachelor’s Degree (BS)
• Other education and experience levels are considered
• Preferred Majors: Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Construction Management, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Management
• Other Relevant Majors considered
• In lieu of a degree: 4+ years of leadership and industrial experience such as military, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, production environments, or other leadership roles

Work Environment

• Environment: Outdoor/Field
• Shift Work: Yes
• On‑Call: Yes
• Weekend Work: Yes
• Travel Required: Extensive Travel for some positions and/or Relocation (Relocation Benefits provided)
• Must be able to work outside and be on your feet daily

Trainee salary is $82,000/yr and steps up to $88,000/yr at the completion of your training program. Our compensation package also includes Railroad Retirement, supervisor Pension Program, 401k match, health benefits, and more.

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.

We are a team of more than 20,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

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. More information can be found at NS-EEO.