Rail Signal Maintainer – Mobile Field Technician

Wisconsin & Southern RR; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture recognition

Competitive compensation

Paid on-the-job training

Watco University

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Watco in Janesville, WI is seeking a Signal Maintainer to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install railroad signal and crossing systems as part of a mobile crew. You’ll work with electrical, mechanical, and electronic components, following safety procedures and technical instructions in the field.

The role requires strong safety, quality workmanship, teamwork, and reliability, with travel to various locations and flexible hours including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in railroad signal maintenance, electrical work, industrial maintenance, telecommunications, electronics, or related technical field is preferred.
• Ability to learn and apply railroad signal rules and procedures.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and determine corrective action.
• Read and understand technical documents, wiring diagrams, schematics, and instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and use of hand/power tools and testing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and safety commitment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Clear, professional communication with coworkers and supervisors.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours including nights/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction, installation, modification, rehabilitation, and removal of railroad signal and highway grade crossing systems and related equipment.
• Install and replace signal equipment including foundations, masts, signal heads, gates, flashers, instrument houses, cases, wiring, conduit, and related components.
• Install, terminate, splice, and test signal and communication cable per plans and standards.
• Assist with cutovers, system upgrades, relocations, and commissioning of signal and crossing systems.
• Perform wiring and equipment installation inside signal houses and cases, including relays, power supplies, batteries, and electronics.
• Use meters, test equipment, hand tools, power tools, hydraulic equipment, and construction equipment for signal construction.
• Excavate, trench, conduit install, cable placement, grounding, bonding for signal construction.
• Assist with testing and verification of installed or modified signal systems before service.
• Work as part of a mobile signal crew under a Signal Foreman.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, materials, and equipment; assist with loading/unloading and site organization.
• Follow railroad operating rules, protection requirements, blueprints/plans, FRA standards, and company practices.
• Travel extensively and work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and emergencies.

Skills

Railroad signal maintenance experience

Electrical understanding

Troubleshooting skills

Reading technical documents

Teamwork and communication

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Meters

Test equipment

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Watco in Janesville, WI is seeking a Signal Maintainer to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install railroad signal and crossing systems as part of a mobile crew. You’ll work with electrical, mechanical, and electronic components, following safety procedures and technical instructions in the field.

The role requires strong safety, quality workmanship, teamwork, and reliability, with travel to various locations and flexible hours including nights and weekends.