2026 Communications Electronic Technician (Chicago, IL) 1

2026 Communications Electronic Technician

Date: Jun 17, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

Description: At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT valuesSafety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamworkwhich guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in telecommunications and contribute to the reliability of critical railroad communication systems, we invite you to explore the Communications Electronic Technician Trainee role. This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in communications maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to install, inspect, and maintain telecommunications equipment essential for safe and efficient rail operations.

What Should You Know: This is a seniority-based union position. You will be required to join the designated union within 60 days of establishing seniority. You must be available to work a 6-day (6 th day as standby/on call) schedule with one scheduled rest day. Extensive travel may be required. You must obtain a Class A CDL once hired (training provided if needed). Ability to obtain and maintain an FCC license or NABOR certificate is required after hire.

Training: Training includes both classroom and field instruction: Training : Hires in the Northern Region will report to 1 Week Training in Bellevue, OH, hires in the Southern Region will report to our Training Center in McDonough, GA. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Up to 1 year to qualify as a Communications Electronic Technician (CET). Possibility to promote sooner based on performance and qualifications. Evaluations: Periodic written and practical assessments. Successful completion of the training program places trainees on the seniority roster and makes them eligible for promotion to Communications Electronic Technician.

Job Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and FRA safety regulations. Install, maintain, replace, and test communication equipment and detectors (Southern agreement) including: radios, digital microwave (MW), RF data link equipment, cables, computers, printers, monitors, telephones, modems, wireless components, security cameras, batteries, connectors, and testing devices. Install and maintain VHF radios, detectors (Southern agreement), data circuits, automatic equipment identification systems, CCTV, radar, speaker systems, and other communication facilities. Cut, splice, and pull cable on ground, poles, and towers. Use trenching equipment to bury cables and equipment. Manage inventory: receive deliveries, retrieve parts, and transport tools/equipment to job sites. Install wiring in offices and field locations.

Qualifications Required: High school diploma or GED. Valid driver's license. 18 years of age or older. Ability to obtain and maintain FCC (GROL) license or NABOR certificate after hire. Ability to obtain Class A CDL after hire. Ability to work a 6-day schedule with one standby day.

Qualifications Preferred: FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License. Two-year technical degree or equivalent experience in network management. Experience operating heavy equipment.

Skills and Abilities: Time management and prioritization. Strong communication skills. Ability to multi-task and organize work effectively. Proficiency in MS Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Work Conditions: Outdoor field work in all weather conditions. On-call and weekend availability required. Extensive travel may be required. Union membership required.

Compensation and Benefits: Training Pay: 75% of CET hourly rate ($31.61/hr). After Promotion: Approximately $8,978.18/month. Benefits include: Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire. Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one. Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.

Company Overview: Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.