Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 41,600 - 56,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) options

401(k) retirement plan with 150% employer match

Job summary

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is seeking a Machine Operator 1 in West Lafayette, Indiana, responsible for operating and maintaining railway equipment. This field-based role requires safety-focused operations and technical skills related to machine inspections and repairs.

The ideal candidate will have experience with heavy equipment and be able to work under various physical conditions. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided, including comprehensive medical insurance.

Qualifications

• 3+ months experience with Loram equipment or equivalent in a 24/7 environment.
• 2+ years demonstrated technical skills such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair railway maintenance equipment.
• Conduct machine inspections and perform common repairs as instructed.
• Document daily field reporting and other administrative tasks.

Job description

Job Details

REF133O-30

Job Title: Machine Operator 1

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Operations

Reports to: Assistant Manager, Superintendent, or Assistant Superintendent

General Description / Purpose

Machine Operator 1 (MO1) is a field based position responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing company railway maintenance and inspection equipment. The role may operate Loram’s on track MOW equipment and/or on track vehicles with supervision in both operating and travel modes. In this role you may be assigned to various types of equipment platforms dependent on business needs and demands.

Essential Job Functions

Safety Focused

• Lead a comprehensive and appropriate job briefing during operations shifts, maintenance shifts, and while conducting maintenance tasks.
• Consistently follow safe work processes, procedures, and rules.
• Understand on track safety and can explain specifics when asked.
• Able to locate all emergency equipment and demonstrate correct operation.

Machine Operations and Technical Knowledge

• Conduct machine inspections to identify problems, defects, changes, and hazards, communicate conditions to the operator or supervisor, and perform common repairs as instructed. Provides accurate feedback that allows machine leadership to make maintenance decisions.
• Accurately record and report common parts used to supervisor, including floor stock.
• Perform maintenance and repairs according to set schedules and policies.
• Accurately describe gauge and HMI functions as they relate to machine operation.
• Demonstrate the ability to document and complete daily field reporting, personal expense reporting, field lodging, and other administrative reporting as necessary.

Behavioral Competencies

• Safety Awareness
• Values Based
• Learning on the Fly
• Action Oriented
• Listening
• Personal Learning

Experience

Internal: 3+ months experience working with Loram equipment or equivalent in a 24/7 environment; some assignments require excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications as noted in the general description for this role and Loram’s career development matrix.

External: 2+ years demonstrated technical skills such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and machine operations; 2+ years demonstrated ability to learn, communicate verbally and in writing, and learn best practices.

Licenses / Certifications

Maintain railroad certifications, CPR/First Aid, valid driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications

• Slots – 1+ year experience heavy equipment operator (backhoe, excavator, or alike); heavy maintenance/construction equipment maintenance; basic administration computer skills; working knowledge of data systems and remote equipment operations (cellar or tethered).
• Aurora – Minimum 1 year computer or technology background; 1 year of working knowledge with MS Windows; preferred radiation experience; commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain a Class B.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and role‑specific assessments (e.g., DOT Physical Exam, Regulated [DOT] DS/BAT, Human Performance Evaluation (HPE), Audiogram).
• Successful completion of an eVerifile/eRailSafe background check as required by Loram’s railroad customers. Ongoing eligibility is subject to compliance with eRailSafe standards.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be conducted upon hire and annually thereafter in accordance with Loram’s Driving Policy.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 100% travel, including international, using any method of transportation.
• Ability to apply high levels of cognitive, analytical, retention and reasoning.
• Excellent communication skills used within any social context.
• Can stand, sit, walk, reach, balance, stoop, kneel, hear, taste and smell.
• Can see up close, at distances, colors and has use of peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Can tolerate variable and sometimes extreme physical conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $41,600 – $56,300. Starting pay for the position is between $20.00 and $21.00 per hour. Loram determines compensation based on factors such as skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. Certain positions may be eligible for an annual bonus and paid time off in addition to base compensation.

Benefits include a comprehensive package with company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; wellness programs; basic life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life insurance; company paid short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match of 150% up to the first 6% contribution; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); behavioral health support; leaves of absence; tuition reimbursement; payroll charity contributions; adoption assistance; and optional plans such as legal, critical illness, and hospitalization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Loram is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.