Trainee Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence
We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation's freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.
We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!
Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits
Job Location:Amarillo, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Billings, MT; Chicago, IL; Everett, WA; Flagstaff, AZ; Fresno, CA; Great Falls, MT; Haslet, TX; Houston, TX; Kansas City, KS; Lincoln, NE; Memphis, TN; Minneapolis, MN; Quincy, IL; Redlands, CA; Sioux Falls, SD; Springfield, MO; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, WA
Anticipated Start Date: 2/1/2027, 6/14/2027, 9/20/2027
Number of Positions: 11
Salary: $84,000
Engineering Management Trainee hiring rate of $84,000. Within approximately 4 to 6 months, opportunity to promote to new level at range of $84,000 - $97,800.
As an Engineering Management Trainee on the Track and Structure Engineering Team at BNSF Railway, you'll dive deep into the safety and operational backbone of one of North America's leading freight rail networks. This role blends hands-on fieldwork with strategic oversight, covering track maintenance, infrastructure inspection, and the design and construction of critical railway structures. Under the mentorship of experienced engineers, you'll gain invaluable insights and skills, contributing directly to the optimization of rail safety and efficiency. This opportunity not only accelerates your professional growth in railway engineering but also opens doors to future leadership positions within the industry.
Learn more about our Management Trainee Program
This is a full-time (minimum 40hrs/wk) position in a24x7 operations environment, subject to on-call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Travel and Relocation is required for this program. After the 4 to 6-month program, trainees must be flexible with their location, as they could be moved depending on business needs. Must have reliable transportation to and from work and travel up to 75% of the time.
Accelerate your career over 4 to 6 months of training.

• Begin with an invigorating one-week orientation at our Fort Worth headquarters, immersing yourself in BNSF culture and forging connections with industry leaders.
• Sharpen your skills at our Technical Training Center for two to three weeks in Overland Park, delving into technical intricacies and personnel management.
• The remainder of your journey entails immersive on-the-job field training, offering hands-on experience across diverse departments.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position. Please check your e-mail daily.
Key Responsibilities:
This role offers a unique opportunity to join our team in either the Track or Structures team, contributing to essential infrastructure that supports BNSF's operations.
In the Track Department, you will be able to:

• Inspect, maintain, repair, and construct our track infrastructure, which encompasses rails, ties, and ballast, to uphold BNSF's standards.
• Plan/Schedule required maintenance and repairs and verify the quality of work completed.
• Expand and update BNSF Track infrastructure and oversee projects that interact with BNSF property.
• Project types include the expansion of Track infrastructure maintenance, construction, and innovation.
• Responsible for the safety of their teams.
• Manage the finances & schedules of their project and communication with project stakeholders.
• Opportunity to shadow positions such as Supervisor Engineering Support, Assistant Roadmaster, Roadmaster, and Division Engineer to gain boots on the ground experience.

In the Structures Department, you will be able to:

• Administer, supervise, and coordinate all maintenance, construction, inspection and operation of bridges and structures, both operating and capital functions.
• Plan/Schedule required maintenance and repairs and verify the quality of work completed.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure safe and efficient maintenance operations.
• Project types include the expansion of BNSF terminals & hubs, central lines, facilities, the repair & replacement of structures, & oversight of public projects and utility crossings.
• Responsible for the safety of their teams.
• Manage the finances & schedules of their project and communication with project stakeholders.
• Opportunity to shadow positions in our structure team and track such as Supervisor Structures and Manager of Structures to gain boots on the ground experience.

Daily work is conducted in an indoor/outdoor safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position's duties.
At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Basic Qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire AND have a valid Driver's License or will have a valid Driver's License upon hire.
• Does not require BNSF's assistance, now or in the future, (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Capable of working in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. Role includes climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel up to 75% of the time based on business needs.
• Able and willing to relocate anywhere on the BNSF Railway operating system (western 28 states) upon hire, for the summer, and travel to other locations as required. If you have any location restrictions, please answer "No."
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, etc.), Construction Management, Business, OR a similar degree program from an accredited university to be completed prior to hire OR I OR I have obtained a degree in a program described above.
• Have and/or will graduate with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience/military, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.
• Have access to reliable transportation to and from my assigned BNSF location.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Construction, Logistics or a related field.
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.
All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process. Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
SF: MO | ((mfield5)) | Operations - Engineering | Billings, MT | 92346