Track, Structures & Signal Careers with BNSF Railway - Military Veterans

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Build and Maintain America’s Rail Network

Track, Structures & Signal Careers with BNSF Railway

Every train that moves across the country depends on the reliability of the railroad infrastructure beneath it.

The Track, Structures, and Signal teams at BNSF Railway are responsible for inspecting, constructing, maintaining, and repairing the rail system that keeps freight moving safely across the United States.

These careers are ideal for individuals with backgrounds in:

  • Construction
  • Electrical or mechanical trades
  • Infrastructure maintenance
  • Engineering or technical operations
  • Military engineering or equipment maintenance

Career Opportunities

Track Maintenance

Track teams maintain the physical rail infrastructure that trains operate on every day.

What You’ll Do

  • Inspect and maintain railroad track systems
  • Replace rail, ties, and ballast when necessary
  • Operate specialized maintenance equipment
  • Perform welding, grinding, and track repairs
  • Ensure safe train operations across assigned territory

Track maintenance employees play a critical role in preventing derailments and ensuring the safe movement of freight across the rail network.

Structures Maintenance (Bridges & Infrastructure)

Structures teams maintain the bridges, tunnels, and other structural assets that support rail operations.

What You’ll Do

  • Inspect and repair railroad bridges and structural components
  • Perform structural maintenance and reinforcement work
  • Maintain culverts, tunnels, and support infrastructure
  • Conduct safety inspections of structural assets
  • Respond to emergency repairs when needed

These professionals ensure the long-term integrity of the railroad’s structural infrastructure.

Signal Maintenance & Signal Technician

Signal teams maintain the electronic systems that control train movement and rail traffic.

What You’ll Do

  • Install and maintain railroad signal systems
  • Test and repair crossing gates and warning systems
  • Inspect wayside signals and train control equipment
  • Troubleshoot electrical and communication systems
  • Ensure signals function properly to keep trains moving safely

Signal systems manage train traffic and help prevent collisions, making this one of the most safety-critical roles in the railroad industry.

Signal Apprentice / Entry-Level Signal Technician

This role provides hands-on training for individuals interested in electrical and signal systems.

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with installation and maintenance of signal equipment
  • Work with electrical systems controlling rail traffic
  • Climb signal structures and test signal circuits
  • Troubleshoot grade crossing equipment
  • Support signal maintainers and technicians in the field

Apprentices learn how to inspect, install, repair, and test signal infrastructure across the rail network.

Engineering Signal Management Trainee

A leadership development program for individuals pursuing careers in railroad engineering.

What You’ll Do

  • Train across signal engineering operations
  • Support design, installation, and maintenance of signal systems
  • Work with advanced train control technology
  • Learn railroad operations and safety systems
  • Develop leadership skills for future management roles

This program prepares employees for leadership positions responsible for modernizing and maintaining train control systems.

Why Join BNSF Infrastructure Teams

Critical Infrastructure Work

Support the rail network that powers the U.S. supply chain.

Hands-On Skilled Trades

Work with heavy equipment, electrical systems, and advanced rail technology.

Career Growth

Progression opportunities into specialized technical roles, supervision, and engineering leadership.

Nationwide Impact

Help maintain 32,000+ miles of track across the BNSF rail system.

Ideal Backgrounds

These careers are particularly well suited for individuals with experience in:

  • Construction and heavy equipment operations
  • Electrical systems and electronics
  • Welding and mechanical maintenance
  • Civil engineering or infrastructure maintenance
  • Military engineering, Seabees, or combat engineer units

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to pass background and drug screening
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules

Some positions may require the ability to:

  • Lift up to 60 pounds
  • Work around heavy machinery
  • Climb structures or signal poles
  • Work on uneven terrain or active rail corridors

Keep the Rail Network Moving

The infrastructure professionals at BNSF Railway ensure that the rail system operates safely and efficiently every day.

These careers offer the opportunity to build, maintain, and protect one of the most important transportation networks in North America.

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Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...