Travel Technician

Role overview

Support railroad track-inspection operations as a traveling technician working aboard specialized survey vehicles and at customer rail sites across the United States. The role combines hands-on electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical troubleshooting with measurement, data review, vehicle operation, and safety-focused field support. The standard schedule consists of approximately three consecutive weeks on assignment followed by one week off.

Responsibilities

- Use measurement tools and onboard systems to collect, interpret, and review railroad track data. - Analyze measurement results and help prepare accurate technical reports. - Read railroad documentation to determine information such as train-speed requirements or operating data. - Operate hi-rail commercial motor vehicles and support the upkeep of rail survey cars and related equipment. - Diagnose problems using electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and practical troubleshooting methods. - Maintain clean, orderly, and sanitary working areas while following railroad and workplace safety procedures.

Requirements

- At least three years of relevant electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical troubleshooting experience, or a related bachelor’s degree combined with at least one year of experience. - Familiarity with preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, machinery upkeep, and workplace safety programs. - Ability to read electrical or electronic schematics and wiring diagrams. - Working knowledge of Windows and common office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email; able to transfer and manage files on a network. - Comfortable using tape measures and similar tools, with functional knowledge of mathematics and fractional measurements. - Valid driver’s license, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to arrange independent travel such as rental vehicles and hotel stays.

Nice to have

- Railroad experience or familiarity with applicable federal railroad safety and equipment regulations. - Exposure to quality assurance, hydraulics, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers, pneumatic brakes, diesel engines, welding, fabrication, soldering, or cable assembly. - Commercial Driver’s License Class B or higher, CPR/First Aid certification, or experience with specialized track-measurement software.

Benefits and work setup

- Travel to assignments is arranged from anywhere in the United States, with flights, hotels, and per diem provided. - Compensation is listed at $24.46–$27.25 per hour, with potential for extended-hours and overtime earnings, plus a sign-on bonus. - Full-time employment with a general benefits package. - Work may involve shifts of 12 hours or longer, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds for at least 150 feet, climbing approximately 15-foot ladders, working beneath or around vehicles, and operating in inclement weather. - The position requires a Public Trust investigation, railroad property security screening, safety examinations, pre-employment drug testing, and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing. Required railroad personal protective equipment is provided.