Signal Helper

Chicago Transit Authority; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CTA Benefits

Job summary

Chicago Transit Authority is seeking a Signal Maintainer in Chicago, IL to assist in the maintenance of rail signal interlocking and related equipment. Responsibilities include supporting the Signal Maintainer, performing electrical and mechanical upkeep, and helping with testing of carborne signal equipment.

The role requires knowledge of electrical/electronic theory, an Illinois driver's license, and appropriate technical credentials.

Qualifications

• Must pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
• Must have education or equivalent electrical/electronic principles and theory.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License.
• Must possess an Associate's Degree or be enrolled in an Associate's Degree program or possess a Certificate in electronics, electrical/electronic technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must pass applicable knowledge based tests.

Responsibilities

• Maintains signal interlocking as directed by the Signal Maintainer.
• Assists the Signal Maintainer with duties requiring two persons such as operating the train, testing carborne signal equipment or replacing broken gate arms.
• Performs a variety of duties such as changing electrical components, repairing/replacing broken mechanical components or performing general maintenance on signal facilities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Signal maintenance

Blueprint reading

Electrical testing equipment

Tools proficiency

Problem solving

Education

Associate level electronics

Electronics certificate

Tools

Electrical testing equipment

Hand tools

Job description

SALARY

$37.77 - $50.37

POSITION SUMMARY

Assists Signal Maintenance in performing a variety of work activities related to Signal Maintenance. Acquires the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position of Signal Maintainer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains signal interlocking as directed by the Signal Maintainer.
• Assists the Signal Maintainer with duties requiring two persons such as operating the train, testing carborne signal equipment or replacing broken gate arms.
• Performs a variety of duties such as changing electrical components, repairing/replacing broken mechanical components or performing general maintenance on signal facilities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

*

CHALLENGES

*

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
• Required to have prior education or equivalent electrical/electronic principles and theory.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License.
• Must possess an Associate's Degree or be currently enrolled in an Associate's Degree program or possess a Certificate in electronics, electrical /electronic technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must pass applicable knowledge based tests.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a physical examination and perform the physical activities associated with this position.
• Required to lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must become thoroughly familiar with all signal equipment and hand throw devices on the Authority's rail system.
• Must be proficient in the use of the tools needed to effectively perform Signal Maintenance work activities.
• Must be proficient in the use of the tools needed to effectively perform Signal Maintenance work activities.
• Must be proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Must acquire a thorough knowledge of applicable work rules and regulations and all safety related policy, rules practices and procedures.
• Required to be proficient in the usage of electrical and electronic testing equipment used to perform signal maintenance activities.
• Required to become thoroughly familiar with and effectively perform the testing and troubleshooting procedures used in the signal maintenance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed on Authority rail systems: in subways, at grade and on elevated structures at a variety of locations.
• Works near electrified third rail and various energized apparatus.
• Subject to moving trains and vehicular street traffic.
• Works outdoors approximately 90% of work cycle, subject to prevailing weather or works indoors approximately 90% of the work cycle, in the repair of car bone signal equipment.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Signal interlocking devices.

Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

TO BE CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY INCLUDING:

• UPLOADED RESUME / WORK HISTORY
• QUALIFICATIONS
• JOB ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE ACCURATE AND TRUTHFUL.

Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.

CTA Benefits

https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/

Primary Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago

Job: Track Maintenance

Job Posting: Sep 18, 2026, 1:41:47 PM

Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)

Department: Infrastructure Maintenance