2025 Field Engineering Trainee , Various Locations

Field Engineering Management Trainee

Job Description

Field Engineering Trainees in Norfolk Southern’s Maintenance of Way department play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our railroad operations. Our robust new hire trainee program prepares you to manage the inspection, repair, and maintenance of railroad infrastructure. Trainees will lead teams of unionized employees in hands-on, field-oriented tasks.

As a Field Engineering Trainee, you will undergo extensive training under experienced supervisors. This training will cover various aspects of railroad operations, including train and track dynamics, track inspection, and construction and maintenance operations. After completing the training program, you will be equipped to inspect railroad tracks, address defects, and manage maintenance teams responsible for tasks such as rail and track component replacements, crosstie replacement, and bridge maintenance. Supervisors manage territories that span dozens of miles and support 24/7 operations.

Location

• Various training locations across our 22-state network.
• Must be willing to relocate for this initial training and future job placements.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $82,000, increasing to $88,000 upon program completion
• Comprehensive health benefits that become effective Day 1 of employment
• Supervisor Pension Program
• 401k match
• Railroad Retirement

Work Environment

• Outdoor/Field-based position working in all weather conditions
• Shift work, on-call, and weekend work required
• Extensive travel and relocation during employment
• Must be able to work outside and be on your feet daily

Duties

• Inspect railroad tracks, remediate defects, ensure safety compliance
• Manage maintenance employees, including rail gangs, tie gangs, and bridge and structures gangs
• Oversee maintenance and repair activities on a territory that may include one or more rail terminals

Education

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Biosystems Engineering
• Other relevant majors considered
• In lieu of a degree, 4+ years of leadership and industrial experience (e.g., military, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, production environments)

Training

• Comprehensive training program provides education on train and track dynamics, track inspection, construction, and maintenance operations.

Key Indicators of Success for this role:

• Individuals who understand the only way we work is SAFELY.
• Must be willing to relocate for training and future job placements.
• Willing to work hands-on and in a field-oriented leadership position in all weather conditions.
• Self-starters with the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Possess strong planning, time management, and communication skills.
• All applicants must have reliable transportation to and from your job location.

Career Path

• Supervisor Track Inspection
• Track Supervisor
• Engineer Track
• Division Engineer
• Chief Engineer

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.

We are a team of more than 20,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation and, gender identity. Together, we power progress. More information can be found at NS-EEO

Don’t just work here, Thrive here.