Tamper Operator - Railway Maintenance

Railserve; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Safety shoe reimbursement

Holiday pay

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve in Indiana seeks a dependable Tamper Operator to operate rail-mounted tamping machines, align and compact ballast, and maintain a smooth rail surface for safe operations.

The role requires travel to various job sites, outdoor work in all weather, and strict adherence to AREMA and FRA safety standards. Minimum experience in railroad maintenance preferred; CDL may be required depending on jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in railroad maintenance or operating rail-bound machinery.
• Valid driver's license; CDL may be required depending on jurisdiction.
• Certification for railway equipment operation (e.g., FRA-compliant training or company-specific certification).
• Strong understanding of track geometry and alignment principles.
• Safety-first mindset and knowledge of railway safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate rail-mounted tamping machines to align, level, and compact track ballast beneath railway ties.
• Follow track maintenance schedules and procedures under the direction of the Track Supervisor.
• Adjust and calibrate tamping equipment for specific rail conditions and tolerances.
• Read and interpret track diagrams, work orders, and machine settings.
• Conduct routine pre-operation inspections of tamping machines to ensure proper function and safety.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of tampers.
• Collaborate with other maintenance-of-way personnel including surfacing crews, welders, and track inspectors.
• Report unsafe conditions, track defects, or equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain accurate daily logs and production records.

Skills

Rail tamping machines

Track geometry

Safety protocols

Reading track diagrams

Maintenance knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

RailserveAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.RailserveAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best. The Tamper Operator is responsible for operating railway tamping machines used to align and compact the ballast under railway tracks, ensuring a smooth and stable rail surface. This role is vital in maintaining track geometry and ensuring safe, efficient train operations. The operator must be familiar with railway maintenance standards and safety protocols.Railserve, Track Services is hiring dependable, safety focused Tamper Operator based in Indiana to support track construction and maintenance projects. This is a hands-on, outdoor role requiring travel to various job sites and working in physically demanding enviroments.Who Are WeRailserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at www.Railserve.comJob DescriptionThe Tamper Operator is responsible for operating railway tamping machines used to align and compact the ballast under railway tracks, ensuring a smooth and stable rail surface. This role is vital in maintaining track geometry and ensuring safe, efficient train operations. The operator must be familiar with railway maintenance standards and safety protocols.Schedule: Full-time, schedule varies based on project needs, travel, and site requirments.Compensation: Based on years of experienceDuties:Operate rail-mounted tamper machines to align, level, and compact track ballast beneath railway ties.Follow track maintenance schedules and procedures under the direction of the Track Supervisor.Adjust and calibrate tamping equipment for specific rail conditions and tolerances.Read and interpret track diagrams, work orders, and machine settings.Conduct routine pre-operation inspections of tamping machines to ensure proper function and safety.Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of tamper equipment.Collaborate with other maintenance-of-way (MOW) personnel including surfacing crews, welders, and track inspectors.Report unsafe conditions, track defects, or equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel.Maintain accurate daily logs and production records.Job Requirments:High school diploma or GED preferred.Minimum 1–2 years of experience in railroad maintenance or operating rail-bound machinery.Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required depending on jurisdiction.Certification for railway equipment operation (e.g., FRA-compliant training or company-specific certification).Strong understanding of track geometry and alignment principles.Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor repairs.Safety-first mindset and knowledge of railway safety protocols (e.g., track protection, flagging).Ability to work both independently and as part of a maintenance crew.Effective communication and problem-solving skills.Familiarity with railway maintenance practices and safety standards (e.g., AREMA, FRA regulations).Working Conditions:Extensive travel along rail corridors; may require working in remote locations.Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions.Frequently works near moving trains and heavy equipment.May require night shifts, weekends, and extended hours during track outages or scheduled maintenance windows.Physical Requirements:Ability to sit, stand, and operate equipment for long periods.Lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.Climb on and off rail equipment safely.Good vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination.What We Offer (Benefits)Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:Medical, Dental, and Vision coverageCompany-paid employee and dependent life insuranceCompany-paid sickness and accident income401(k) with company matchAnnual safety shoe reimbursementPrescription safety wearHoliday payVacationMarmon employee discount programGrow With UsDon’t worry if you don’t meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.#LI-DNIFollowing receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.