Rail Equipment Maintenance Operator - Mississippi

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.; Laurel (MS); On-site; USD 61,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) match

Travel lodging covered

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is hiring a Rail Equipment Maintenance Operator in Laurel, MS. No rail experience is required; we provide full training for mechanically inclined individuals.

This field-based role involves outdoor work, travel across railways, and opportunities to advance within the company. You'll learn to operate and service Loram’s rail maintenance equipment, performing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic tasks, with emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• No rail experience required—we’ll train you.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Positive attitude, work ethic, and eagerness to learn and grow.
• Commitment to safety and industry standards.
• Proficient in English, verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain Loram’s rail maintenance equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform hands-on mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic maintenance, incl. inspections, troubleshooting and repairs.
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure optimal equipment performance and safety.
• Communicate with the team via radio, in person and in writing.
• Follow FRA, OSHA and Loram safety protocols at all times.
• Participate in training to continuously improve skills and career growth.

Skills

Diploma or GED

Driver's license

No rail experience

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Safety

English

Job description

REF57B-1 Job Title: Rail Equipment Maintenance Operator FLSA Status: Nonexempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent

Join Loram’s North America field operations as a Rail Equipment Maintenance Operator—no rail experience required! In this field-based position, we provide full training for motivated individuals with a background in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or heavy equipment operation. This hands‑on, physically demanding role offers unique opportunities to work outdoors, travel across the railways, and grow your career in a supportive team environment.

Why Join Us?

• Hourly Rate: $20/hour with substantial overtime opportunities.
• Annual Earnings: Typically, $60,500 - $78,000, based on a 6‑weeks-on / 2‑weeks-off rotation and a work schedule of approximately 65 - 80 hours per week.
• Advancement Opportunities: 90% of operators are promoted within one year; 50% receive two promotions within the same time.
• Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%!
  • Paid travel and lodging for job assignments
• Travel Perks: Work in unique locations and gain exposure to a lifestyle few experience. Loram covers hotel/motel rooms and all work‑related travel to and from the job site, including flights, buses, etc. (Per diem is not offered). Employees are responsible for personal expenses, including food, phone, and laundry.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate and maintain Loram’s specialized rail maintenance equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform hands‑on mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic maintenance, including inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure optimal equipment performance and adherence to safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with the team via radio, in-person, and written methods.
• Follow Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), OSHA, and Loram safety protocols always.
• Participate in training to continuously improve your skills and support your career growth.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• No prior rail experience required—we’ll train you!
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Positive attitude, work ethic, and eagerness to learn and grow
• Commitment to safety and industry standards
• Proficient in English, verbal and written communication

What to Expect:

• Able to travel 100% of the time, including international, using any method of transportation
• Rotational field assignments (6–8 weeks at a time) with long workdays (12+ hours)
• Physically demanding work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Extensive walking, climbing, lifting (75+ lbs.), and working in confined spaces or at heights
• Exposure to unique challenges and opportunities to develop practical, in-demand skills

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable working in challenging outdoor environments
• Ability to walk 5–9 miles per day on uneven terrain
• Climb ladders and step up 36 inches multiple times daily
• Lift and handle tools/equipment weighing 75+ lbs.
• Must meet vision and hearing requirements for day and night operations

Work Visas:

• Loram does not sponsor work visas

BENEFITS:

Benefits for this role 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 including an employer match of 150% up to the first 6% you contribute to the Plan; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); behavioral health support; and leaves of absence. Additional benefits include 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. We make all employment decisions 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 in the countries where we operate, including the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, relevant U.S. federal, state, and local laws, Brazil’s anti‑discrimination provisions under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and Federal Constitution, India’s Equal Remuneration Act and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009 and applicable state and territory legislation, and Canada’s human rights protections under the Canadian Human Rights Act and applicable provincial or territorial laws.

The pay range for this position is between $-$