Principal Telecom Engineer, Interoperable Train Control Messaging (Remote - US)

BNSF Railway; United States; On-site; USD 107,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and Railroad Retirement

Health care options

HSA with employer contributions

Parental & family benefits

Annual bonus

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking a Systems Engineer to manage the ITCM middleware network, ensuring secure, reliable messaging between locomotives, wayside devices, and back-office servers. This is a full-time remote role requiring expertise in system administration and interoperability.

The role offers a base salary range of $107,000 to $145,000 plus bonus eligibility and comprehensive benefits. Occasional travel to Fort Worth, TX may be required.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the US now and in the future without sponsorship or similar assistance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent formal training or work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years work experience in a technical/operations environment.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in enterprise systems administration, messaging middleware, or railroad signaling/communications infrastructure.
• Proficiency with messaging platforms like Apache ActiveMQ, Red Hat AMQ, or Apache QPID AMQP Brokers.
• Deep understanding of networking protocols including TCP/IP, EMP (Electronic Message Protocol), AAR Messaging Standards, and Class I Railroad network architecture.
• Strong familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and shell scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python) for automation.

Responsibilities

• System Administration: Configure, deploy, and maintain ITCM environments across back-office systems (BOS), wayside messaging servers, and locomotive mobile platforms including monitoring and managing message queues, topics, and channels to ensure seamless, real-time message delivery.
• Interoperability Control: Coordinate configuration changes and asset routing updates with tenant and host railroads to maintain seamless industry-wide interoperability.
• System Monitoring: Use Interoperable Train Control Systems Management (ITCSM) and custom open source based tools to track network health, evaluate system telemetry, and proactively diagnose communication drops.
• Troubleshooting & Support: Resolve complex messaging failures, address routing anomalies, and analyze log files to identify and fix transport-layer disruptions.
• Configuration Management: Maintain rigorous configuration control records for software versions, network routing tables, and hardware assets across the system lifecycle.
• Demonstrate operational excellence by monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues by remaining on-call 24/7.

Skills

System Administration

Interoperability

System Monitoring

Troubleshooting

Configuration Management

Bash / Python scripting

Networking (TCP/IP)

Education

Bachelor's degree (Technical, Business or related)

Tools

Apache ActiveMQ

Red Hat AMQ

Apache QPID AMQP Brokers

Job description

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.

bnsf | tech: innovating and transforming the future of freight rail bnsf | tech is the technology division making BNSF the preeminent freight and mobility company in north america.

are you ready to drive change? if you are passionate about making a difference and eager to advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment, we want you on our team! join us in reshaping the future of freight rail and discover a fulfilling career where your contributions matter.

we are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn More About BNSF And Our Benefits

Job Location: REMOTE Anticipated Start Date: 08/03/2026 Number of Positions: 1

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is provided below:

Salary Range: $107,000 - $145,000 The range represents the amount bnsf | tech reasonably expects to pay for the position based on the level, scope, and responsibilities of the role. Individual compensation and level of position offered is determined by the hiring location and additional factors including but not limited to job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.In addition to base pay and bonus eligibility, BNSF offers a comprehensive benefits package.

This is a full‑time remote position. Employees may work from anywhere within the contiguous 48 states of the United States.

Travel is up to 20%. Employees will be required to occasionally travel to our corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, TX for in person meetings. Travel expenses for business needs will be covered by BNSF.

The Positive Train Control (PTC) Interoperable Train Control Messaging (ITCM) Systems Engineer manages, maintains, and configures the ITCM middleware network. This position ensures secure, reliable, and asynchronous messaging between locomotives, wayside devices, and back‑office servers. The administrator directly supports railroad interoperability, system monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities May Include

• System Administration: Configure, deploy, and maintain ITCM environments across back‑office systems (BOS), wayside messaging servers, and locomotive mobile platforms including monitoring and managing message queues, topics, and channels to ensure seamless, real‑time message delivery.
• Interoperability Control: Coordinate configuration changes and asset routing updates with tenant and host railroads to maintain seamless industry‑wide interoperability.
• System Monitoring: Use Interoperable Train Control Systems Management (ITCSM) and custom open source based tools to track network health, evaluate system telemetry, and proactively diagnose communication drops.
• Troubleshooting & Support: Resolve complex messaging failures, address routing anomalies, and analyze log files to identify and fix transport‑layer disruptions.
• Configuration Management: Maintain rigorous configuration control records for software versions, network routing tables, and hardware assets across the system lifecycle.
• Demonstrate operational excellence by monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues by remaining on‑call 24/7.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the US 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).
• Bachelors degree in Technical, Business or related discipline preferred and/or equivalent formal training or work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years work experience in a technical/operations environment.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in enterprise systems administration, messaging middleware, or railroad signaling/communications infrastructure.
• Proficiency with messaging platforms like Apache ActiveMQ, Red Hat AMQ, or Apache QPID AMQP Brokers.
• Deep understanding of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, EMP (Electronic Message Protocol), AAR Messaging Standards. and Class I Railroad network architecture.
• Strong familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and shell scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python) for automation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of FRA PTC regulations, I‑ETMS architecture, and Meteorcomm ITCnet operations.
• Prior experience working for a Class I Railroad or transit agency.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret raw telemetry data under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration with external railroad partners.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry‑leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high‑quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for‑industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.