Railbound Certified Operator Trainee (CSX)

Sperry Rail; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem for meals

Travel and lodging paid

Job summary

Sperry Rail Service is seeking a Certified Trainee/Apprentice to become a Certified Professional Operator in Rail Flaw Detection (RFD). This is a heavy travel position requiring living and working on a locomotive during assignments, with paid training at the Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection in Connecticut, followed by extensive field experience.

After certification you may operate your own testing platform and/or lead a crew.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to multitask and work with tools/equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete training at Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection.
• Learn rail detection methods across Short Line and Class I railways.
• Achieve certification in ultrasonic testing standards and apply field skills.
• Work collaboratively as part of a crew and develop leadership to eventually lead a team.
• Gain knowledge of Sperry’s diagnostic technologies, systems, and interfaces.
• Develop mechanical aptitude, including equipment setup, troubleshooting, and basic repairs.
• Learn and adhere to railroad operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Apply classroom and field training during extended travel assignments (3–4 months at a time).

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Multitasking ability

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for railway networks worldwide. With over 95 years of industry leadership, Sperry continues to advance rail safety through innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Position Summary

_ This is a HEAVY travel position requiring employees to live and work on a locomotive during assignments. _

As a Certified Trainee/Apprentice, you will be trained and developed into a Certified Professional Operator in the Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Sperry provides paid, hands-on training through our Connecticut-based Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection, followed by extensive field experience.

Upon successful completion of training and certification, you will advance into a role where you may be responsible for operating your own testing platform and/or leading a crew.

The location shown in this posting is used for recruiting purposes. This role is field-based and requires extensive travel to multiple job sites, which will be the primary work locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete training at the Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection

• Learn and apply rail detection methods, technologies, and procedures across Short Line and Class I railways

• Achieve certification in ultrasonic testing standards and apply skills in the field

• Work collaboratively as part of a crew and develop leadership skills to eventually lead a team

• Gain knowledge of Sperry’s diagnostic technologies, systems, and interfaces

• Develop mechanical aptitude, including equipment setup, troubleshooting, and basic repairs

• Learn and adhere to railroad operating procedures and safety protocols

• Apply classroom and field training during extended travel assignments (3–4 months at a time)

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Valid driver’s license

• Basic computer proficiency

• Ability to multitask and work with tools/equipment

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and DOT physical (where applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) experience (ultrasonic preferred)

• Prior railroad experience

• Mechanical aptitude or experience with automotive/technical systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Extensive travel opportunities

• Hands-on technical experience

• Career growth within a global organization

• Pay: $20.00 per hour during paid training. Upon successful completion of the training program and promotion to Certified Operator, compensation increases to a $60,000 annual base salary

• Per diem for meals

• Travel and lodging expenses paid for by Sperry

Career Growth

• This role offers a clear career path:
  Trainee Certified Operator Crew Leadership Opportunities
• Sperry invests in your development by providing the training, tools, and real-world experience needed to build a long-term career in a specialized and high-demand industry.