Signal Foreman

Modern Railway Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Railway Systems in Chicago seeks a Signal Foreman to oversee the installation, maintenance and repair of railway signaling systems while leading a team of signal technicians. You will ensure all equipment operates safely and efficiently, coordinate schedules, and respond to emergencies or malfunctions across nationwide projects.

The role requires interpreting complex project documents, strong leadership, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years working on rail transit projects.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Signaling foreman.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing; a CDL and a crane operating certificate are a plus.
• Able to interpret project documents including blueprints, specifications, workplans, safety rules, and regulations.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to various projects nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of railway signaling systems and lead a team of signal technicians and workers.
• Coordinate work schedules and pre‑plan activities with the Superintendent to develop safe methods.
• Ensure work is built to the latest specifications and safety standards; review project documentation.
• Inspect completed work for quality and safety and respond to emergencies or malfunctions on the rail network.
• Maintain safety focus and enforce company policies and procedures on site.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Signal Foreman

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Department: Craft Personnel

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chicago

Compensation: $35.00 - $45.00 / hour

Description

Modern Railway Systems, a subsidiary of Stacy Witbeck is seeking a Signal Foreman to join our team. Main responsibilities will include overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of railway signaling systems. This role will lead a team of signal technicians and workers, ensuring that all signal equipment, such as flashers, switches, and automated crossing gates, operate safely and efficiently. Additional responsibilities will include coordinating work schedules, inspecting completed work for compliance with safety standards, and responding to emergencies or malfunctions on the rail network. This role is critical in maintaining the safe operation of trains and minimizing service disruptions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• This is a nationwide role and will require travel to all projects nationwide.
• Reviews all project documentation and plans to ensure that the work in the field is built to the most recent specifications.
• Capable of operating assigned machinery and equipment while remaining flexible to seamlessly pivot to general site tasks, manual labor, pulling cable, and other team activities as required by remote and isolated project demands.
• Pre-plans work activities with Superintendent to develop best means and methods, including safety action plans.
• Plans the day-to-day operations on assigned project and ensure that proper resources are in place for the timely completion of work i.e., labor, equipment and material.
• Takes responsibility for crew performance as related to company goals, safety audits, administration of company policies and procedures.
• Initiates follow up action as necessary including training, orientation, discipline, etc.
• Conducts daily briefing with crew to review production goals, performance feedback, safety and schedule, hazards, and to solicit feedback from the workers.
• Maintains a dedication to safety at all times by modeling, providing education and enforcing safe work practices, Company policies and procedures.
• Ensures that proper safety equipment is available and used by all field personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Minimum of 5 years working on rail transit projects.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Signaling foreman.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing, a CDL and a crane operating certificate is a plus
• Able to interpret project documents including blueprints, specifications, workplans, safety rules, and regulations.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize, develop, execute and communication vision, plan, schedules and goals to crew.
• Knowledge of wayside equipment and train control systems.
• Ability to use computer software including Microsoft Suite and Bluebeam.
• Ability to perform physical work in a field environment including bending, lifting, carrying.
• Ability to utilize hand and power tools.
• Excellent vision and hearing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and common sense.Ability to work effectively in a team environment as a contributing and essential team player.
• Ability to travel to various projects nationwide.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Standing and walking around the project site.
• Frequent bending, lifting, digging, shoveling and moving of objects on site.
• Field environment and subject to all weather conditions.
• Working in and around live commuter trains, high voltage, confined space, safety sensitive cabling.
• Day, evening and weekend shift work.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.