Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Pasadena to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars to support customer operations and production schedules.
This is an FRA-regulated position. A valid driver's license is required for employment in this role.
Who We Are
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 Railserve
Job Description
Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This position plays a key role in ensuring railcars are properly switched, placed, secured, and delivered according to operational schedules and customer requirements.
This is a physically active outdoor role working in an industrial rail yard environment around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Employees work closely with crews, site leadership, and customers while following FRA regulations, company operating procedures, and strict safety standards.
The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Previous rail experience is not required for all candidates, as Railserve provides on-the-job training for qualified individuals.
Railserve promotes from within and provides long-term opportunities for advancement in rail operations and leadership.
Schedule
• Monday through Sunday rotating schedule
• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM day shift
• Overtime and weekend work may be required based on operational needs
Compensation
$18.00 - $23.40 per hour based on experience
Duties
• Operate electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives
• Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
• Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
• Inspect locomotives prior to operation
• Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
• Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
• Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
• Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
• Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
• Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
• Assist in training new employees as needed
• Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
• Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
• Follow FRA regulations, customer requirements, and company safety procedures
• Perform additional operational duties as assigned
Job Requirements
• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to work in an FRA-regulated environment
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
• Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
• Strong attendance and reliability required
• Reliable transportation required
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as operationally required
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Military experience is a plus
What We Offer (Benefits)
Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:
• 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
Additional Information
• Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
• Exposure to locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
• Moderate to heavy physical labor required
• Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
• Safety-sensitive FRA-regulated position
• Required use of personal protective equipment
• Strict compliance with company, customer, and FRA safety standards required
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. 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. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.