Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Altoona, PA)

We are accepting applications to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for upcoming hiring needs. Candidates who successfully complete the hiring process may be considered for training classes between late 2026 and mid-2027, based on business needs and location availability.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in railroad signal maintenance and contribute to the safety and reliability of train operations, we invite you to explore the Apprentice Signal Trainee role.

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in signal maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentice Signal Trainees learn to install, inspect, and maintain signal systems that are critical to safe and efficient rail operations.

This is a seniority-based union position. You will be required to bid on available positions, which may be located outside your training location. Relocation may be necessary based on the outcome of the bid process.

Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, including holidays, nights and weekends.

You will be required to join the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) within 60 days of establishing seniority.

You must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern)

Training lasts approximately 52 weeks and includes both classroom and field instruction.

Click on the link below to learn more about our training program:

Classroom Training: Three sessions (3 weeks each) at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends provided.

Field Training: Hands-on experience with construction and maintenance crews across your seniority district.

Successful completion of the training program places apprentices on the seniority roster and makes them eligible to bid on Signal Maintainer position.

A detailed overview of the seniority districts is available in the following video: https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html

Perform FRA-required inspections and testing of signal systems and grade crossings.

Install, maintain, and repair signal equipment including signal lights, switch machines, and electrical switch locks

Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical diagrams.

Operate hand tools, electrical testing instruments, and heavy equipment

Accurately document inspections, repairs, and installations.

Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Respond to on-call assignments, including nights and weekends.

You must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern)

This includes passing a commercial driver medical certification examination.

Must not have a conviction for, or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle drivers license for, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance

In the past 36 months, Must not have conviction for, or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver's license for, refusal to undergo such testing as is required by State or foreign law when a law enforcement official seeks to determine whether a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance

Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, or related field.

Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights.

Color vision (must pass FRA-approved tests; lenses to improve color vision are not permitted).

Hearing (no hearing loss greater than 40B average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in better ear; may be met with hearing aid).

Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail.

Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.

Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com .