Tamper Operator - Railway Maintenance

Marmon Railroad Services; United States; Remote; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Annual safety shoe reimbursement

Holiday pay

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve, a Marmon Holdings company, is hiring a Tamper Operator in Indiana to operate railway tamping machines, align and compact ballast, and maintain track geometry for safe, efficient train operations.

This full-time, outdoor role requires travel to multiple sites, adherence to AREMA/FRA standards and safety protocols, and ability to perform basic maintenance. CDL may be required; candidates with 1–2 years railroad experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–2 years of railroad maintenance or equipment operation experience.
• FRA-compliant training or company certification preferred.
• Knowledge of AREMA standards and railway safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate rail-mounted tamping machines to align and compact ballast.
• Follow maintenance schedules and procedures under Track Supervisor.
• Read track diagrams and work orders.
• Perform pre-operation inspections and basic equipment maintenance.
• Maintain daily logs and production records.
• Collaborate with MOW crews including welders and inspectors.
• Report unsafe conditions or equipment malfunctions.
• Travel to various job sites as required.
• Ensure safety and compliance with railway standards.

Skills

Railroad maintenance

Safety protocols

Track geometry

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

FRA-compliant certification

Tools

Rail tamping machines

Rail-bound machinery

Job description

Railserve As 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. Railserve As 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 We

Railserve 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.com

Job Description

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.

Schedule: Full-time, schedule varies based on project needs, travel, and site requirments. Compensation: Based on years of experience

• 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)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
• Company-paid sickness and accident income
• 401(k) with company match
• Annual safety shoe reimbursement
• Prescription safety wear
• Holiday pay
• Vacation
• Marmon employee discount program

Grow With Us

Don’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.

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-DNI

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the biggest small business you’ll ever find. Part of Berkshire Hathaway, Marmon is a global industrial organization made of 11 industry groups with 30K employees and $12 billion in annual revenue. As leaders in their respective industries, our 120+ companies thrive on an independent mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, they benefit from being part of our industry groups—where they’re able to tap into the expertise and insights of other Marmon companies. While we’re all unique, we all share a common commitment to doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. When you work at Marmon, you're advancing our everyday world and beyond. Our engineering solutions help millions around the world stay connected, healthy, and safe. Wherever you're at in your career, our people and resources will help you go further. As you grow your skills, you can also move up and around our 120+ companies. Work at a place you can stand behind. We show up to win every day, uphold the highest ethical standards, and always look to put each other in the best position to win.