2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Charlottesville, VA)
Norfolk Southern Corp., Charlottesville, VA, United States
2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Charlottesville, VA)
Requisition 39568: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Charlottesville, VA)
Description
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.
What Should You Know
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.
Extensive travel is required during training (up to 75%).
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). This includes passing a commercial driver medical certification examination.
Training
Training lasts approximately 52 weeks and includes both classroom and field instruction.
Classroom Training: Three sessions (3 weeks each) at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends are provided.
Field Training: Hands‑on experience with construction and maintenance crews across your seniority district.
Evaluations: Periodic written and practical assessments. Successful completion of the training program places apprentices on the seniority roster and makes them eligible to bid on Signal Maintainer positions.
Responsibilities
• 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.
• Work with crossing warning devices and interlocking systems.
• Support Positive Train Control (PTC) and cab signal systems.
• 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.
Qualifications – Required
Must be 18 years or older.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern).
Must pass pre‑employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
Must not have a conviction or state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
In the past 36 months, must not have a conviction or state action related to refusal to undergo required testing for impaired driving.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Qualifications – Preferred
Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, TWIC card.
1–2 years in electrical, mechanical, or field service work.
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Effective time management and communication skills.
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights.
Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain.
Must pass FRA/FMCSA physical standards, including visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye) and color vision tests.
Hearing requirement: no hearing loss greater than 40 B average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in better ear; hearing aid may be used.
Work Conditions
Outdoor field work in all weather conditions.
Extensive travel during training (up to 75%).
On‑call and weekend availability required.
Union membership required (BRS).
Compensation and Benefits
First 130 days: $36.48/hr.
Second 130 days: $36.85/hr.
Post‑Apprenticeship (Signal Maintainer): $37.98/hr+
Benefits Include
Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan).
$20,000 life insurance.
401(k) eligibility from day one.
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
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Requisition 39568: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Charlottesville, VA)
Description
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.
What Should You Know
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.
Extensive travel is required during training (up to 75%).
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). This includes passing a commercial driver medical certification examination.
Training
Training lasts approximately 52 weeks and includes both classroom and field instruction.
Classroom Training: Three sessions (3 weeks each) at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends are provided.
Field Training: Hands‑on experience with construction and maintenance crews across your seniority district.
Evaluations: Periodic written and practical assessments. Successful completion of the training program places apprentices on the seniority roster and makes them eligible to bid on Signal Maintainer positions.
Responsibilities
• 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.
• Work with crossing warning devices and interlocking systems.
• Support Positive Train Control (PTC) and cab signal systems.
• 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.
Qualifications – Required
Must be 18 years or older.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must obtain a Class A CDL within 90 days of hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern).
Must pass pre‑employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
Must not have a conviction or state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
In the past 36 months, must not have a conviction or state action related to refusal to undergo required testing for impaired driving.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Qualifications – Preferred
Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, TWIC card.
1–2 years in electrical, mechanical, or field service work.
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Effective time management and communication skills.
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights.
Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain.
Must pass FRA/FMCSA physical standards, including visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye) and color vision tests.
Hearing requirement: no hearing loss greater than 40 B average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in better ear; hearing aid may be used.
Work Conditions
Outdoor field work in all weather conditions.
Extensive travel during training (up to 75%).
On‑call and weekend availability required.
Union membership required (BRS).
Compensation and Benefits
First 130 days: $36.48/hr.
Second 130 days: $36.85/hr.
Post‑Apprenticeship (Signal Maintainer): $37.98/hr+
Benefits Include
Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan).
$20,000 life insurance.
401(k) eligibility from day one.
Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
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