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Signal Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Signal Engineer IV

Kansas City, MO ยท On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

... operating rules * Must become familiar with individual customer's standards as a part of the check ... Signal program testing experience What will your typical day look like? * Designing Highway ...

Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer ... and operating rules. In the circumstance that an apprentice fails any of the periodic testing ...

JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision, the Traffic Signal Technician performs skilled work related to installing, maintaining, operating, programming, and troubleshooting a diverse range of traffic ...

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Signal Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do signal operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Signal Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSignal OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and specialized trainingRequires similar certifications, often including technical or electrical training
Work EnvironmentWorks at signal stations, control centers, or on-site at rail yardsWorks primarily in maintenance shops, on-site at rail infrastructure, or in field conditions
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by railroads and transit agencies to operate signaling systemsEmployed by similar organizations to maintain and repair signaling equipment

Signal Operators and Signal Maintainers both work within the railway signaling industry, often collaborating but with different focuses. Signal Operators primarily control and operate signaling systems, ensuring safe train movements, while Signal Maintainers focus on repairing and maintaining the signaling equipment. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

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

To thrive as a Signal Operator, you need a solid understanding of communication protocols, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio and telecommunications equipment, encryption systems, and sometimes military-specific certifications is typical. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate and secure transmission of information, which is vital for operational effectiveness and safety.

What are the most common challenges signal operators face in high-pressure environments, and how can they effectively manage them?

Signal Operators often work in fast-paced settings where clear and timely communication is critical, especially during emergencies or military operations. Common challenges include managing multiple communication channels simultaneously, ensuring message accuracy, and quickly adapting to changing situations. To overcome these challenges, Signal Operators rely on rigorous training, established protocols, and strong teamwork skills. Staying organized, maintaining composure under pressure, and continuously updating technical knowledge are key to success in this role.

How to become a signal operator?

To become a signal operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training on signaling systems, often provided by employers or technical schools. Relevant skills include attention to detail, technical aptitude, and knowledge of safety procedures; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the industry and location.

What is a signal operator?

Signal Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining signaling equipment to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains or military units. In railway systems, they monitor and control track signals and switches, coordinating communication between train crews and control centers. In military contexts, Signal Operators set up, maintain, and troubleshoot communication systems, ensuring messages are relayed accurately and securely. Their role is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth flow of operations.
More about Signal Operator jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Signal Operator jobs? The top employers for Signal Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Signal Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Signal Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Signal Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Signal Engineer IV

Wabtec

Kansas City, MO โ€ข On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
Who will you be working with?
Wabtec's Digital Intelligence Signaling & Systems team is a recognized industry leader in the successful delivery of complex integrated system projects. These projects involve signaling, train control, communications, and back-office solutions with a strong focus on project execution, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.
How will you make a difference?
As a member of the Signal Engineering group, you will play a key role in designing and engineering rail signal systems, including circuit designs and vital logic programming. In this position, you will work closely with customer specifications, railroad standards, and FRA regulations to deliver high-quality signal solutions. You will be expected to bring your expertise to the team and become proficient in both wayside and crossing design.
What do we want to know about you?
You must have:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronic, computer or mechanical engineering; or computer science. Equivalent work experience in the railroad signal industry is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement
  • 5+ years' experience in the railroad signaling industry with an engineering degree; or 10+ years' experience without a degree
  • Thorough knowledge of signal systems including but not limited to: automatic block, traffic control, cab signals, interlockings, highway grade crossing warning systems, office systems, FRA requirements, AREMA standards, and general railroad operating rules
  • Must become familiar with individual customer's standards as a part of the check process
  • Excellent verbal and written skills to include general engineering terminology
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite and design tools such as MicroStation and AUTOCAD
  • Demonstrated proficiency as a Signal Designer

We would love it if you had:
  • Previous signal safety checking experience
  • Signal programming experience
  • Signal program testing experience

What will your typical day look like?
  • Designing Highway Crossing Warning systems will be the primary focus of this position.
  • Designing wayside systems, including vital logic controller (VLC) programming and wayside interface unit (WIU) programming may be required.
  • Participate in the review of project scope with managers and project leads, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and project goals.
  • Review and manage document control, including maintaining versioning controls and reviewing deliverables for accuracy prior to submission.
  • Attend project reviews with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and alignment with project objectives.
  • You will also have opportunities to perform other duties outside of your core responsibilities, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).
Qualifications
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.