Trainee Rail Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Requisition 40258: A1 MWS Management Trainee 2027 

Field Engineering Trainee - (Various Locations)

Anticipated Start Date- January 2027 

Job Description

Field Engineering Trainees in Norfolk Southern' s Maintenance of Way department play a vital role in our operations team. Trainees will train under current supervisors who are responsible for managing teams of unionized employees to directly oversee the inspections, repair, and maintenance of our railroad tracks and bridges (aka the "Way" that our trains operate over). Our extensive new hire trainee program will educate you on the intricacies of working on the railroad to accomplish this goal.

During training, you will learn train and track dynamics, track inspection, construction, and maintenance operations, and much more. After successful completion of the six-month training program, you will manage track maintenance employees and be directly involved in track inspections and defect remediation scheduling and execution. Supervisors are responsible for managing a territory spanning dozens of miles that can include one or more rail terminals supporting an operation that runs 24/7. 

Interested in seeing what it's like to be a Norfolk Southern Track Supervisor in the Engineering department? Watch this 2-minute video to find out more. 

What makes a successful trainee in the Maintenance of Way department?

• Candidates who are looking for a career in field supervision, not a desk job
• A willingness to work hands-on and outdoors among the elements, day or night
• A self-starter who can work with little direct supervision
• Ability to lead a team by example, we call it "Leading from the Front!"
• Ability to plan, manage, and adapt on the fly
• Ability to build effective and responsive interpersonal relationships
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Individuals who understand the only way we work is SAFELY

Education/Experience

• Preferred Level: Bachelor's Degree (BS)
• Other education and experience levels are considered
• Preferred Majors: Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Construction Management, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Biosystems Engineering, Management
• Other Relevant Majors considered
• In lieu of a degree: 4+ years of leadership and industrial experience such as military, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, production environments, or other leadership roles

Work Environment

• Environment: Outdoor/Field
• Shift Work: Yes
• On-Call: Yes
• Weekend Work: Yes
• Travel Required: Extensive Travel for some positions and/or Relocation (Relocation Benefits provided)
• Potential Training locations include:

Atlanta, GA; Bellevue, OH; Birmingham, AL; Bluefield, WV; Bryan, OH; Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Christiansburg, VA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbia, PA; Conway, PA; Cresson, PA; Dalton, GA; Danville, KY; Decatur, IL; Detroit, MI; Elkhart, IN; Enola, PA; Front Royal, VA; Ft. Wayne, IN; Gainesville, GA; Greensboro, NC; Greenville, SC; Harriman, TN; Harrisburg, PA; Hattiesburg, MS; Kansas City, MO; Knoxville, TN; Lafayette, IN; Leechburg, PA; Linwood, NC; Lock Haven, PA; Lynchburg, VA; Macon, GA; McDonough, GA; Meridian, MS; Moberly, MO; Narrows, VA; Norfolk, VA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portage, IN; Raleigh, NC; Roanoke, VA; Rockmart, GA; Sandusky, OH; Shelbyville, KY; St. Louis, MO; Toledo, OH; Valdosta, GA; Vance, AL; Waynesburg, PA;

Compensation

Trainee salary is $83,000/USD and steps up to $88,000/USD at the completion of your six-month training program.

Projected Career Path

Supervisor Track Inspection - Track Supervisor - Engineer Track - Division Engineer - Chief Engineer

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.

We are a team of more than 20,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation and, gender identity. Together, we power progress. More information can be found at NS-EEO

Don't just work here, Thrive here.