Eastern 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

Southern3205 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 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,

an electronics background is always good to go into fields you mentioned since both are heavily reliant these days on electronics ... however many have been hired with no prior training or knowledge to be trained by the railroad both in class and out in the field ... while some see benefit to prior training others see training with no prior knowledge also a benefit with the thinking being they won't be poisoned by bad practices learned ... i seen it both ways ... all depends on you're dealing with ... but it surely doesn't hurt to have the knowledge ... are you looking for a office designers position or in the field as a technician
> Jon

I'm looking mostly to work in the field. I understand the basics of of how signal systems work and am still working on learning more. So far I've only worked with some analog stuff due to the couple of signals I have been restoring. Any idea of what a pay average is for someone starting out in that field?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/12 08:00 by Southern3205.

Southern3205 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm looking mostly to work in the field. I
> understand the basics of of how signal systems
> work and am still working on learning more. So
> far I've only worked with some analog stuff due to
> the couple of signals I have been restoring. Any
> idea of what a pay average is for someone starting
> out in that field?


i don't know if freight railroads have a graduated pay like Amtrak does, but a little sacrifice in the beginning can lead to big earnings in the long run ... especially with the PTC mandate ... i know Amtrak pays their maintainers over 28 an hr and their field technicians even more ... not sure what the pay rates for class 1's are

Wow, well, that's a bit more than I was expecting. Another TO member responded to the post I put up on the western board saying UP starts at 19 an hour. I guess I'll just have to do some research to see what the best route is. I'm definitely open to whatever info anyone has to give.

Last time I saw it for NS it was in the 22-23 range

I'm good for starting in the low 20's, if only NS had something close to Florida, the main thing holding things up is getting out from being underwater on the loan. Seems to be a common problem throughout the states though.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/05/12 04:25 by Southern3205.

Southern3205 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm good for starting in the low 20's, if only NS
> had something close to Florida, the main thing
> holding things up is getting out from being
> underwater on the loan. Seems to be a common
> problem throughout the states though.


Amtrak owns trackage in the Hialeah area

I'll look into that. I live in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Once my house is paid down a bit, I'll have no problem moving out of state.

Southern3205 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'll look into that. I live in Green Cove
> Springs, Florida. Once my house is paid down a
> bit, I'll have no problem moving out of state.


Hialeah is in Florida near Ft Lauderdale and Miami

That isn't too bad, been down in that area a few times for some aircraft specific training. Hopefully I'll be able to get my stuff in order before too long to really sit down and take in all options.

CSX.Com has signal maintainer positions open fairly often. Click on "Working at CSX" in the upper right of the screen and go from there. Electronics background and ability to get a CDL(B) is required. It sounds like you'd be a natural.

Eventually, line side signals may be phased out for satellites and cab signals.

Yeah, that wouldn't surprise me, just another system that will need maintenance though.