Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Brownsville, PA)

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Pennsylvania

On-site

USD 50,000 - 52,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage begins second month

Health insurance

Life insurance $20,000

401(k) eligibility

Dental & vision after one year

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corp. is seeking applicants for the Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee role in Brownsville, PA. This hands-on program blends classroom instruction with on-the-job training to develop skills in installing and maintaining critical signal systems for safe rail operations.

The program spans ~52 weeks with field training across seniority districts; candidates must bid on positions and may relocate. On-call duties, extensive travel, and union membership are part of the role.

Qualifications

Must be 18+ years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Learn to install, inspect, and maintain signal systems used in rail operations.
Participate in classroom and field training to prepare for Signal Maintainer roles.
Perform inspections and testing of signal equipment and crossing systems.

Skills

18+ years

Valid driver's license

Class A CDL (90 days)

Authorized to work in US

FRA drug/alcohol screen

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certificate or associate degree (Electrical)

Tools

None

Job description

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Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Brownsville, PA)

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

Requisition 40196: Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Brownsville, PA)

We are accepting applications to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for upcoming hiring needs. Candidates who successfully complete the hiring process may be considered for training classes between late 2026 and mid-2027, based on business needs and location availability.

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.

Successful completion of the training program places apprentices on the seniority roster and makes them eligible to bid on Signal Maintainer position.

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 driver’s 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

Outdoor field work in all weather conditions.

Extensive travel during training (up to 75%).

On-call and weekend availability required.

Union membership required (BRS).

Compensation and Benefits

First 130 days: $36.48/hr

Second 130 days: $36.85/hr

Post-Apprenticeship (Signal Maintainer): $37.98/hr+

Benefits Include:

Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan)
$20,000 life insurance
401(k) eligibility from day one
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

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.