Communications Electronic Technician; Orleans, LA

Overview

2026 Communications Electronic Technician (New Orleans, LA)

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values — Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork — which 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.

Training includes both classroom and field instruction:

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
• Two-year technical degree or equivalent experience in network management

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

• 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

• Outdoor field work in all weather conditions
• On-call and weekend availability required
• Union membership required

• 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

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. It operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Norfolk Southern is committed to sustainability and helps its customers avoid millions of tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its team members deliver millions of carloads annually and it operates the largest rail network in the eastern U.S., with connections to major ports and the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.

Learn more at

We celebrate individuality and encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities. We foster a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.

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