Western Railroad Discussion > Job Transition Feasability

Good morning all. I have a question that I hope some could answer and in turn help provide me with some direction. I've been working in the field of aircraft electronics for the last ten years or so and am interested in transitioning into the fields of locomotive or signal electronics maintenance. If anyone could provide any sort of insight into what would be needed or as to whether or not if it's a good idea at all, let me know. If you want, feel free to contact me by posting here or through PM's.

Thanks,
Jon

Signals or communication would probably be a smoother transition. With the PTC mandate out there, they cant find enough qualified signal people to install much less maintain it.

Thanks, I had a feeling that was gonna be the route to go with. Any idea what a pay average would be for someone starting out in that area?

On the Union Pacific, an Assistant Signal Person starts out at $19.00 per hour.

If you work for an airline, don't think railroad management is any better... Good luck.

PTC electronics are the way to go. No shortage of need.

No airline work here, just a contractor since I ETS'd from the Army in 06. I'm just getting tired of the extended traveling. I know a regular schedule will probably be next to non-existent, but will welcome the change if it enables me to be with my family more.

The bad news and the good news, you'll make $72,000 with the UP and you'll be working
78 hours per week,

You can be on call after hours for repairs. Usually you share with another person.

Exactly, and UP has been doing a great deal of cut in on data systems and signal
changes for things like the new high speed crossovers. You're there while that gets
done and you leave when it is done. It's not the easiest existence though the pay
can be pretty interesting. Ex-WP hoghead Dave Foster and I were in Granstville, UT
one day and ran into the maintainer, Saturday PM and he'd done 91 hours that week
already. Be careful what you wish for.

rehunn Wrote:
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> Exactly, and UP has been doing a great deal of cut
> in on data systems and signal
> changes for things like the new high speed
> crossovers. You're there while that gets
> done and you leave when it is done. It's not the
> easiest existence though the pay
> can be pretty interesting. Ex-WP hoghead Dave
> Foster and I were in Granstville, UT
> one day and ran into the maintainer, Saturday PM
> and he'd done 91 hours that week
> already. Be careful what you wish for.

signal employees do work under HOS rules where they MUST have 8 hours rest after every 12 hours so you're not out there every minute

It's interesting that the HOS issue seems to get circumvented where necessary,
at least in terms of the maintainers.

Currently per UP.com only open position is DIESEL ELECTRICIAN pay is ovr $21.00 an hour and current opening are in the midwest.

a737flyer Wrote:
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> If you work for an airline, don't think railroad
> management is any better... Good luck.


I worked for Mesa Airlines and America West, Union Pacific, and now BNSF . Other than the vehicles they use, and the pay, I dont see a whole lot of difference between the two.

rehunn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's interesting that the HOS issue seems to get
> circumvented where necessary,
> at least in terms of the maintainers.


it's like the ole adage ... everything's legal till ya get caught

Out_Of_Service Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> rehunn Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It's interesting that the HOS issue seems to
> get
> > circumvented where necessary,
> > at least in terms of the maintainers.
>
>
> it's like the ole adage ... everything's legal
> till ya get caught


Or when someone dies.........

I had a feeling the hours could be rather hectic. I'll do what I have to do though as long as my family's taken care of.