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Rail Switch Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

El Paso, TX · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include ...

Pae

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

El Paso, TX · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include ...

Cando Rail & Terminals

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Continental Carbon Company

Shipper

Sunray, TX · On-site

$25/hr

Spotter truck operators are not required to leave Company premises. * Operate powered sweeper to maintain cleanliness of Company grounds. * Perform rail switches to move cars into and out of the ...

Twin Eagle

Terminal Operator

Big Spring, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ... Oversee the operation of locomotives or other railcar movers to perform rail switch operations for ...

Twin Eagle

Terminal Operator

Floresville, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ... Oversee the operation of locomotives or other railcar movers to perform rail switch operations for ...

Savage Transload Network LLC

Yard Master

Gregory, TX

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Twin Eagle

Terminal Operator

Big Spring, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ... Oversee the operation of locomotives or other railcar movers to perform rail switch operations for ...

Twin Eagle

Terminal Operator

Floresville, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ... Oversee the operation of locomotives or other railcar movers to perform rail switch operations for ...

JSW Steel USA

Switchman

Baytown, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Align, operate, and secure rail switches according to operational needs. * Communicate clearly and effectively with locomotive operators and other crew members to coordinate movements. * Conduct pre ...

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All JobsRail Switch Operator JobsRail Switch Operator Jobs in Texas

Rail Switch Operator information

See Texas salary details

$4

$18

$24

How much do rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switch operator in Texas is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rail switch operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Switch Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway systems, attention to detail, and good physical coordination, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with track-switching mechanisms, signaling systems, and sometimes safety certifications from rail authorities are typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are crucial to ensuring safe and efficient train routing and preventing accidents in a dynamic rail environment.

What are the typical work shifts and environments like for rail switch operators?

Rail Switch Operators often work in outdoor rail yards or along rail lines and are required to manage switches and signals in varying weather conditions. Shifts can include nights, weekends, and holidays, as trains operate around the clock, so flexibility is important. Operators may work independently or as part of a small team, coordinating closely with locomotive engineers and dispatchers. While the role can be physically demanding and requires vigilance, it offers opportunities to learn more about railway operations and pursue advancement into supervisory or technical positions with experience.

How to become a rail switch operator?

To become a rail switch operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Some positions require certification in safety procedures and knowledge of railway signaling systems; physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions are also important. Licensing or certification requirements vary by region and employer.

What is a rail switch operator?

A Rail Switch Operator is responsible for controlling track switches to direct trains onto the correct tracks. They communicate with train crews and dispatchers to ensure safe and efficient rail traffic movement. Their duties may also include coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting track conditions, and operating signals. This role requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. It is an essential position in the railway industry to prevent collisions and keep trains running on schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas?

For Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Rail Switch Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Rail Switch Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs in TX?

For Rail Switch Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Rail Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Switch Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,182 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

Amentum

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Essential Responsibilities:
  • The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include, but is not limited to, Fork-lift 4-10k or higher, RTCH(Kalmar) 50k, and various types of military equipment.
  • Supports assigned missions operating Heavy Equipment: Rail support movements.
  • Provides oversight and performs daily Preventive Maintenance Checks (PMCS) on equipment prior to operation and at completion of mission task assignment or at end of work shift.
  • The Brake and Switch Operator must be able to perform switch operations push or pull track switches in rail yards to guide cars onto different tracks, perform brake and coupling control by connecting or disconnecting train cars, test train brakes, and climb railcars to set hand brakes, and perform signaling by using hand signs, lanterns, or radios to tell engineers when to start or stop the train.
  • Safety Inspections: Check air hoses, couplings, and tracks for damage or problems.

Perform all other position-related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid state driver's license
  • Must have a valid Railroad Brake and Switch Operator License
  • Minimum of 2-year work experience operating heavy equipment and Brake and Switch Operator required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Passing a pre-employment drug screen and a government background check is required.
  • Must be available for any shift. Willing to work weekends and other hours as needed.
  • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands:
Shop environment in which heavy equipment is operated, potentially loud environments, and some pieces of equipment have exposed moving components, frequent lifting up to 45 pounds, regular handling, grasping, kneeling and carrying, and constant use of vision and mental alertness is required. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and extreme heat. The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, or may include unsafe conditions, questioning nonstandard operations or environmental factors that may involve unmitigated hazards, and providing feedback to supervisors and managers on all safety issues. Must be able to acknowledge and respond to emergency lights and sirens and be capable of wearing a protective mask.
Other Responsibilities:
Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.
Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.
Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.
Compensation Details:
29.98
Original Posting:
07/28/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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