Signal Maintainer - Kalamazoo, MI

Watco; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Signal Maintainer to inspect, test, and repair railroad signal systems and crossing devices across an assigned territory. The role blends field electrical work with outdoor physical tasks, often requiring after-hours support to keep train movements and crossings safe.

Responsibilities include diagnosing faults, conducting FRA-compliant tests, coordinating with dispatch and maintenance teams, and maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read electrical diagrams, technical instructions, signal plans; perform basic math and keep accurate records.
• Strong reading of electrical diagrams and test procedures; capable of fault isolation and repairs.
• Ability to work independently in the field and coordinate with dispatchers and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Respond to service calls and ensure reliable attendance.
• Inspect, test, maintain, and repair wayside signals and grade crossing devices.
• Perform tests per FRA regulations and company standards; document results and actions.
• Diagnose malfunctions using schematics, test instruments, and indications; verify operation after repair.
• Coordinate with dispatchers, train crews, track forces, and contractors; communicate status clearly.
• Follow on-track safety and PPE rules; work outdoors including nights and weekends as required.

Skills

Reliable attendance

Clear communication

Field outdoor work

Safety conscience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.

Here's What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Signal Maintainer inspects, tests, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs railroad signal systems and highway-rail grade crossing warning devices within an assigned territory. This position helps keep train movements and public crossings safe by performing scheduled tests, responding to equipment failures, documenting results, and coordinating work with dispatchers, operations, and other maintenance teams. The role combines field electrical and electronic work with outdoor physical work and may require after-hours response.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrate reliable attendance and respond to assigned work and service calls in a timely manner
• Inspect, test, maintain, and repair wayside signals, grade crossing warning devices, signal circuits, power supplies, batteries, wiring, and related equipment
• Perform required tests and inspections in accordance with applicable FRA regulations, company standards, and approved procedures; accurately record results and corrective actions
• Diagnose malfunctions using schematics, circuit plans, test instruments, and equipment indications; isolate faults and verify proper operation after repair
• Install, replace, adjust, and maintain signal components and associated communication circuitry as assigned
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, defects, or failures; follow established procedures to protect train movements and highway users while the condition is addressed
• Plan and complete preventive maintenance and corrective work; maintain tools, materials, equipment, and work records
• Coordinate work with dispatchers, train crews, track forces, supervisors, contractors, and other team members; communicate restrictions, testing, and return-to-service status clearly
• Follow on-track safety, roadway worker protection, electrical safety, lockout/tagout, job briefing, PPE, vehicle, and other applicable rules
• Travel within the assigned territory and work outdoors, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call periods as required by the assignment
• Perform related installation, excavation, and site maintenance tasks when required and qualified

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, a team member must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the role:

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet applicable company driving requirements
• Ability to read electrical diagrams, technical instructions, signal plans, and test procedures; perform basic math and maintain accurate records
• Working knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, safe use of test equipment, and systematic fault isolation
• Ability to communicate clearly and work independently in the field while coordinating safely with others
• Ability to complete required railroad rules, safety, signal, and regulatory training and remain current
• Prior railroad signal experience or formal electrical/electronics training preferred; equivalent military, trade, or industrial controls experience may be considered

Education

Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent