Engineering Signal Management Trainee 2025

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN 
Anticipated Start Date: 06/16/2025 or 09/08/2025
Number of Positions: 2 
Salary: $78,000

As a Signal Engineering Management Trainee, you'll dive into the critical technology ensuring train safety and efficiency across a vast freight network. Your role will cover the spectrum of signal systems, from design and installation to maintenance, including advanced train control mechanisms and grade crossing protections. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, you'll learn how innovative technologies are applied to maintain and enhance railway operations. This program not only sets the stage for a thriving career in signal engineering but also opens pathways to leadership opportunities within the railway's technological forefront.

Learn more about our Management Trainee Program

This is a full-time (40hrs/wk) position in a 24x7 operations environment, subject to on-call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. 

Travel and Relocation is required. After the 12-month program candidates must be flexible with their location (as they could be moved depending on business needs), must have reliable transportation to and from work and travel up to 75% of the time.

Accelerate your career over 12 months of training.

• Begin with an invigorating one-week orientation at our Fort Worth headquarters, immersing yourself in BNSF culture and forging connections with industry leaders.
• Sharpen your skills at our Technical Training Center for two weeks in Overland Park, delving into technical intricacies and personnel management.
• The remainder of your journey entails immersive on-the-job field training, offering hands-on experience across diverse departments.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position.  Please check your e-mail daily.  

Key Responsibilities:

Inspect, maintain, repair, and construct our signal infrastructure, along our right of way including wayside signals, highway grade crossings, and signal bungalows.

Plan/Schedule required maintenance and repairs and verify the quality of work completed.

Expand and update BNSF infrastructure and oversee projects that interact with BNSF property.

Responsible for the safety of their teams.

Manage the finances & schedules of their project and communication with project stakeholders.

Opportunity to shadow positions such as Signal Supervisor, Signal Construction Supervisor, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, and Director of Signal to gain boots on the ground experience.  

Daily work is conducted in an indoor/outdoor safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery. 

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.  

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire AND have a valid Driver's License or will have a valid Driver's License upon hire.
• Does not require sponsorship to obtain, maintain, or extend authorization to work in the United States. (For example, H1-B Visa or STEM OPT)
• Capable of working in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. Role includes climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel up to 75% of the time based on business needs.
• Able and willing to relocate anywhere on the BNSF Railway operating system (western 28 states) upon hire, career progression, and/or business needs. If you have any location restrictions, please answer "No.
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, etc.), Construction Management, Business, OR a similar degree program from an accredited university to be completed prior to hire OR I have obtained a degree in a program described above.
• Have and/or will graduate with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Engineering, Business, Construction, or a related field
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Engineering | Lenexa, KS | 87102