Manager, Signals

Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFER)
Fort Wayne, IN 46803, USA

• Field Operations Management
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: MANAG009226

Description

Company / Benefits Overview:

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:

• Life Insurance
• Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• On the Job Training
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• And more

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement

Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization

Job Summary:
As the Manager of Signals & Communications, you’ll be the go‑to leader ensuring the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of all signals, communication, and wayside detection systems across your assigned territory. You’ll oversee the full lifecycle of these critical systems—from installation and maintenance to inspections and quality control while also supporting and developing the teams who keep them running every day.

If you enjoy blending hands‑on technical expertise with leadership and strategic planning, this role puts you at the center of safe and efficient rail operations.

• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and inspection of all railway crossing and signal systems, wayside detectors, and communication systems ensuring proper function and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Perform regular quality control and functionality testing of signal systems within assigned territory
• Develop, write and enforce specifications and work procedures
• Collaborate with regulatory authorities ensuring compliance with regulatory recordkeeping requirements
• Support hiring new employees to fill vacancies; train all employees in operating practices according to federal regulations and company policies; and administer discipline as needed
• Identify maintenance and rehabilitation priority projects; seek external funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal level in support of capital projects
• Perform profitability analysis, manage third-party financing, and develop plans and specifications for all related projects
• Build and manage signal operating and capital budgets
• Prepare cost estimates for signal and communication projects; determine internal and external (contractor) labor assignments and costs
• Manage all required procurement for installation, maintenance, and inspection of signal systems within assigned territory
• Prepare reports and analysis for regional management
• Promote safety operations
• Manage projects and perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
• Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact
• Able to squat, bend and lift overhead for extended periods of kneeling or crouching (bending at the knees)
• Occasional lifting of equipment and tools up to 89 pounds

Skills and Experience:

• Technical and Regulatory Railroad knowledge
• Proficient computer skills in CAD, Microsoft, and specialized railroad-signal software (e.g.