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Conductor Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train ... Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority * This position is governed by a ...

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Conductor Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$37.1K

$96.8K

$130.8K

How much do conductor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for conductor engineer in Indiana is $96,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $110,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conductor Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conductor Engineer, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, train handling, safety regulations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with additional specialized training. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and federal certification such as the FRA Conductor Certification is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing safety and coordinating with crew members. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant train operations in a highly regulated transportation environment.

What are some common challenges Conductor Engineers face when coordinating with train operations and maintenance teams?

Conductor Engineers often navigate the complexities of synchronizing with both train operations and maintenance teams to ensure schedules are met and safety protocols are followed. Communication breakdowns, unexpected equipment issues, or last-minute schedule changes can pose significant challenges. To address these, Conductor Engineers must stay adaptable, maintain clear and consistent communication, and be proactive in problem-solving. Successfully managing these dynamics not only ensures smooth daily operations but also contributes to the reliability and safety of the rail service.

What are Conductor Engineers?

Conductor Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of electric power transmission lines, often called conductors. They ensure that these lines are safely and efficiently designed, installed, and function optimally to transmit electricity from power plants to consumers. Their role includes performing technical assessments, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They may work with utility companies, engineering firms, or in the construction sector, collaborating with other engineers and field technicians.

What is the difference between Conductor Engineer vs Cable Engineer?

AspectConductor EngineerCable Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in power systemsBachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, certifications in cable installation
Work EnvironmentPower plants, substations, transmission linesUnderground and overhead cable installation sites, maintenance facilities
Industry UsagePower transmission, distribution companiesTelecommunications, electrical infrastructure projects

Conductor Engineers focus on designing, testing, and maintaining electrical conductors used in power systems, while Cable Engineers specialize in the installation and maintenance of electrical and communication cables. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge but differ in their specific applications and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Conductor Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Conductor Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Conductor Engineer job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 82% Contract. Highlights an 20% Physical, and 80% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,824 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Fort Wayne, IN Train Conductor

Fort Wayne, IN Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Fort Wayne, IN

$84K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description 

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation's premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role. 

Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You'll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required-we provide all the training you need to succeed. 

 

What You Should Know 

  • This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. 

  • You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes' notice. 

  • Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly. 

  • You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training. 

Training 

On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location. 

To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules. 

 

Job Responsibilities 

  • Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation. 

  • Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars. 

  • Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers. 

  • Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations. 

  • Perform additional duties as assigned. 

  • Additional information about roles and responsibilities are detailed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZdUABU2g_k 

Qualifications - Required 

  • Must be 18 years or older. 

  • Must hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation. 

  • Ability to report to work within 90 minutes. 

  • Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident. 

  • Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident. 

  • Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle. 

  • Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening. 

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. 

Qualifications - Preferred 

  • Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions. 

  • Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles. 

  • Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts. 

 

Physical and Mental Job Requirements 

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs. 

  • Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to: 

  • Hang Test 

    • Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side. 

    • Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain. 

  • Ability to meet FRA medical requirements: 

    • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses). 

    • Color vision-ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted). 

    • Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid). 

Work Conditions 

  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions. 

  • Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays. 

  • Must be available for call 24/7. 

  • This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. 

Compensation and Benefits 

  • Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $200 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $25/hour. 

  • First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000. 

  • Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. 

  • Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment. 

  • After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility. 

  • Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. 

  • Vacation Eligibility: 

Years of Service 

Vacation* 

17 

25 

*must meet qualifying days minimum 

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. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

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.

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