Signal Maintainer, Peanut Gang - Madison, WI

Watco; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Career advancement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Signal Maintainer – Peanut Gang to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install railroad signal and crossing systems. You will be part of a mobile maintenance crew traveling to multiple locations to support safe and reliable signal operation.

This role requires reading diagrams, wiring plans, and following safety procedures, with a strong commitment to quality workmanship, teamwork, and flexibility to work nights, weekends, and extended hours.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in railroad signal maintenance or related technical field.
• Ability to learn railroad signal rules and procedures.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and take corrective action.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand/power tools.
• Strong attention to detail and safety.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Clear and professional communication with coworkers and supervisors.
• Willing to travel extensively on mobile maintenance crew.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, modification, rehabilitation, and removal of railroad signal systems.
• Install and replace signal equipment and components.
• Install, terminate, splice, and test signal and communication cable.
• Assist with cutovers, upgrades, relocations, and commissioning.
• Wiring inside signal houses and related equipment maintenance.
• Use meters, test equipment, tools to perform signal construction tasks.
• Excavation, trenching, conduit installation and grounding.
• Assist with testing and verification of signal systems.
• Work as part of a mobile signal crew under a Signal Foreman.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and loading/unloading at job site.
• Follow railroad rules and safety procedures.
• Travel extensively and work varying schedules including nights/weekends.

Skills

Railroad maintenance experience

Electrical/industrial maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Mechanical aptitude

Safety focus

Teamwork

Flexible scheduling

Willing to travel

Driver's license

Education

High School or GED equivalent

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 – Peanut Gang is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation of railroad signal and crossing systems. This position works as part of a mobile maintenance crew and travels to various locations to support the safe and reliable operation of railroad signal equipment.

The Signal Maintainer works with electrical, mechanical, and electronic components and must be able to identify problems, follow technical instructions and safety procedures, and make sound decisions in the field. The position requires a strong commitment to safety, quality workmanship, teamwork, and reliability.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform construction, installation, modification, rehabilitation, and removal of railroad signal and highway grade crossing systems and associated equipment
• Install and replace signal equipment including foundations, masts, sigal heads, gates, flashers, instrument houses, cases, wiring, cable, conduit, junction boxes, and related components.
• Install, terminate, splice, and test signal and communication cable in accordance with plans, specifications, and applicable standards.]
• Assist with cutovers, system upgrades, relocations, and commissioning new or modified signal and crossings systems
• Perform wiring and equipment installation inside signal houses, cases, and bungalows, including relays, terminals, power supplies, batteries, chargers, and electronic equipment
• Use meters, test equipment, hand tools, power tools, hydraulic equipment, and construction equipment necessary to perform signal construction work.
• Perform excavation, trenching, conduit installation, cable placement, grounding, bonding, and other physical work associated with signal construction
• Assist with testing and verification of installed or modified signal systems prior to being placed in service.
• Work as part of a mobile signal crew under the direction of a Signal Foreman
• Maintain tools, vehicles, materials and equipment assigned to the crew and assist with loading, unloading, inventory, and job site organization
• Follow railroad operating rukes, roadway worker protection requirements, blueprints/plans, FRA requirements company standards, and established signal practices
• Travel extensively and work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, extended hours and emergency assignments as required by projects and railroad operations

Qualifications

• Previous experience in railroad signal maintenance, electrical work, industrial maintenance, telecommunications, electronics, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Ability to learn and apply railroad signal rules, procedures, and technical requirements.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to read and understand technical documents, wiring diagrams, schematics, and instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to use hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to prioritize work and respond effectively to changing conditions and unexpected problems.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required.
• Must be willing and able to travel extensively as part of a mobile maintenance crew.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, precipitation, and other challenging conditions.
• Ability to work safely around railroad tracks, moving trains, heavy equipment, electrical systems, and roadway traffic.
• Must possess or be able to obtain any required railroad qualifications, certifications, or licenses.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.

Education

High School or GED equivalent