Rail Machine Operator

WHAT LJA HAS TO OFFER

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Machine Operator at LJA Land Development, you will be responsible for Leading a team of EIT’s, designers, and CAD draftsmen to produce construction plans, exhibits, reports, tables, etc. as may be requested/required by the client.  

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Operate railroad maintenance equipment such as tampers, ballast regulators, tie inserters, spike drivers, and other on-track and off-track machinery used in track construction and maintenance.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to ensure machinery remains in safe operating condition.
• Work with track crews to maintain proper track alignment, gauge, ballast profile, and overall track geometry.
• Follow all railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and job briefings before and during work activities.
• Maintain clear communication with supervisors, dispatchers, and other crew members during operations.
• Assist with track maintenance tasks when machinery is not in operation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable railroad regulations and company safety programs.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance activities, and job site conditions.
• Performs other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating heavy equipment; railroad maintenance equipment experience preferred.
• Knowledge of railroad track components and basic track maintenance practices preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Valid driver’s license required; Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be preferred depending on equipment operated.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Ability to follow safety procedures and railroad operating rules
• Situational awareness in active railroad environments
• Outdoor work environment along active railroad corridors and construction sites.
• May require travel to project sites and extended work hours, including nights and weekends.
• Work may involve exposure to loud equipment, moving trains, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb on and off heavy equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on uneven surfaces for extended periods.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA Engineering, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.