Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

VetJobs

Cincinnati (OH)

On-site

USD 74,000 - 80,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starts after second/8

Health insurance

401(k) eligibility

Dental and vision after one year

Life insurance $20,000

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corp. in Cincinnati, OH seeks an Apprentice Signal Trainee to launch a career in railroad signal maintenance. The role combines classroom instruction with hands-on field training to install, inspect, and maintain critical signaling systems essential for safe rail operations.

Training lasts about 52 weeks, with classroom sessions in GA and field rotations across seniority districts. The position requires on-call work, extensive travel, and union membership upon seniority.

Qualifications

Must be 18 years or older.
High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Must obtain Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided).
Must pass FRA drug and alcohol screening.
Must not have a motor vehicle DUI within the last 36 months.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Perform FRA-required inspections and testing of signal systems and grade crossings.
Install, maintain, and repair signal equipment including signal lights and switch machines.
Work with crossing warning devices and interlocking systems.
Support Positive Train Control (PTC) and cab signal systems.
Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical diagrams.
Operate hand tools, electrical testing instruments, and heavy equipment.
Accurately document inspections, repairs, and installations.
Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
Respond to on-call assignments, including nights and weekends.

Skills

Valid driver's license

CDL within 90 days

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Job Description

2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Cincinnati, OH)

Date: Jul 20, 2026

Location: Cincinnati, OH, US, 45203

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

Requisition 40093: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Cincinnati, OH) 1

Description

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in railroad signal maintenance and contribute to the safety and reliability of train operations, we invite you to explore the Apprentice Signal Trainee role.

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in signal maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentice Signal Trainees learn to install, inspect, and maintain signal systems that are critical to safe and efficient rail operations.

What Should You Know

This is a seniority-based union position. You will be required to bid on available positions, which may be located outside your training location. Relocation may be necessary based on the outcome of the bid process. Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.
You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, including holidays, nights and weekends.
Extensive travel is required during training (up to 75%).
You will be required to join the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) within 60 days of establishing seniority.
You must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern).

Training

Training lasts approximately 52 weeks and includes both classroom and field instruction.

Classroom Training: Three sessions (3 weeks each) at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends provided.
Field Training: Hands-on experience with construction and maintenance crews across your seniority district.
Evaluations: Periodic written and practical assessments.

A detailed overview of the seniority districts is available in the following video: https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html

Seniority Districts

Eastern Region North (ERN)
Norfolk & Western (NW)
Southern Lines East (SLE)
Southern Lines West (SLW)
WRE (Western Region East (WRE)
Western Region West (WRW)

Job Responsibilities

Perform FRA-required inspections and testing of signal systems and grade crossings.
Install, maintain, and repair signal equipment including signal lights, switch machines, and electrical switch locks.
Crossing warning devices and interlocking systems.
Positive Train Control (PTC) and cab signal systems.
Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical diagrams.
Operate hand tools, electrical testing instruments, and heavy equipment.
Accurately document inspections, repairs, and installations.
Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
Respond to on-call assignments, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications – Required

You must be 18 years or older.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
You must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern).
This includes passing a commercial driver medical certification examination.
Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
Must not have a conviction for, or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle drivers license for, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
In the past 36 months, must not have conviction for, or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver's license for, refusal to undergo such testing as is required by State or foreign law when a law enforcement official seeks to determine whether a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Qualifications – Preferred

Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, TWIC card.
1-2 years in electrical, mechanical, or field service work.
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Effective time management and communication skills.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights.
Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain.

Must Pass FRA/FMCSA Physical Standards Including

Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
Color vision (must pass FRA-approved tests; lenses to improve color vision are not permitted).
Hearing (no hearing loss greater than 40B average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in better ear; may be met with hearing aid).

Work Conditions