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Signal Helper Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Signal Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Arcadis is seeking a Traffic Signal Engineer (Signal Operations & Analysis) with experience in ... You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable ...

Traffic Signal Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Arcadis is seeking a Traffic Signal Engineer (Signal Operations & Analysis) with experience in ... You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable ...

Memphis, TN Signal of Memphis is seeking to add hardworking, committed, passionate, cooperative ... Ideal candidates are self-motivated, results-driven integrators who can help plan, develop ...

Coordinator - Operations

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Memphis, TN Signal of Memphis is seeking to add hardworking, committed, passionate, cooperative ... Ideal candidates are self-motivated, results-driven integrators who can help plan, develop ...

... to help our public and private clients find smarter, more advanced ways to move people across ... Experience with traffic signal design * Experience in signing / pavement marking design. Experience ...

... to help our public and private clients find smarter, more advanced ways to move people across ... Experience with traffic signal design * Experience in signing / pavement marking design. Experience ...

... to help our public and private clients find smarter, more advanced ways to move people across ... Experience with traffic signal design * Experience in signing / pavement marking design. Experience ...

... to help our public and private clients find smarter, more advanced ways to move people across ... Experience with traffic signal design * Experience in signing / pavement marking design. Experience ...

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Signal Helper information

See Tennessee salary details

$15

$25

$30

How much do signal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal helper in Tennessee is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $30.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a signal helper?

Signal Helpers are entry-level railroad workers who assist Signal Maintainers and Signal Inspectors in installing, maintaining, and repairing railroad signaling equipment. Their duties often include handling tools, preparing materials, digging trenches for cables, and ensuring the safety of the work environment. Signal Helpers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of train operations by supporting the upkeep of signal systems that control train movements. This position is physically demanding and requires adherence to safety protocols. Over time, Signal Helpers may advance to more skilled positions within the railroad industry.

What does a signal helper do?

Signal helpers assist signal maintainers with the repair, maintenance, and construction of signal equipment, such as electric switch machines, crossing equipment, and wayside signals, for a railroad. Your responsibilities in this career include digging, wiring, cabling, and painting over or removing graffiti from equipment for inside and outside locations. You may be asked to serve as a watchman when necessary. You are also expected to use company vehicles occasionally. Other duties include cleaning, lubing, inspecting, and troubleshooting signal equipment, changing light bulbs and broken lenses, and removing snow during emergency and storm duty. You may also be asked to cut trees and shrubs that interfere with signal equipment.

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

To thrive as a Signal Helper, you need a solid understanding of railway signaling systems, basic electrical knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, signal testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, and some employers may prefer OSHA safety certification. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These abilities are important because they help maintain the reliability and safety of rail transportation systems while supporting the work of signal maintainers and engineers.

What are some common challenges signal helpers face when working on active railway tracks, and how can they address them?

Signal Helpers often work in close proximity to active railway lines, which requires constant vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols. One of the main challenges is coordinating effectively with train dispatchers and other crew members to ensure safe track access and avoid service disruptions. Additionally, unpredictable weather and tight maintenance schedules can add pressure. Effective communication, a strong understanding of safety procedures, and teamwork are key to successfully navigating these challenges.

What is the difference between Signal Helper vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSignal HelperSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingRequires more advanced certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentAssists in installing, inspecting, and maintaining signals, often working outdoors or in rail yardsPerforms detailed maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on signaling systems
Employer & IndustryRailroads, transit agencies, construction companiesRailroads, transit authorities, specialized signaling companies

In summary, Signal Helpers assist with basic tasks and support Signal Maintainers, who perform more complex maintenance and repairs on signaling systems. Signal Helpers typically have less formal training and focus on assisting roles, while Signal Maintainers handle detailed technical work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Signal jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Signal Helper jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Signal Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Signal Helper job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,511 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Traffic Signal Engineer

Arcadis

Nashville, TN • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

115th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

Arcadis is seeking a Traffic Signal Engineer (Signal Operations & Analysis) with experience in traffic engineering, traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems to join our Nashville, TN team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traffic signal operations, traffic flow analysis, and the use of signal optimization software.

Location in Middle Tennessee area required. Candidates will have the ability to work remotely or in office but will be required to attend internal and external client meetings and field assignments in person as needed.

Role accountabilities:

  • Support our expanding Tennessee traffic engineering practice by preparing engineering reports, studies, and analyses across traffic operations, safety, and transportation planning projects.
  • Utilize software tools such as Synchro, SimTraffic, VISSIM, or similar for modeling and simulation of intersections, corridors, and interchange traffic.
  • Lead development of signal timing plans based on detailed operational analysis; enter timings via central management systems and/or directly into signal controllers.
  • Oversee field implementation of corridor signal timing, including setup and fine-tuning of traffic-responsive or adaptive signal systems.
  • Prepare technical reports, signal warrant analyses, and timing optimization recommendations.
  • Collaborate with municipalities, DOTs, and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Lead tasks and projects on your own and mentor younger staff. 
  • Manage work efficiently to meet project schedules and budgets.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required Qualifications:

  • Seeking 3+ years hands-on Traffic Signal Field Operations / Implementation experience preferred
  • Familiarity with traffic signal controller hardware and central traffic management systems
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering or related field from accredited university
  • U.S. Driver's License
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Tennessee PE or ability to obtain by reciprocity 
  • TDOT or local TN project experience
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)
  • Experience / familiarity with Microstation and ArcGIS
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Why Arcadis?

  • We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part-time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $125,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US