Blog Series Introduction: Beyond the Engine – Careers in the Rail Industry
When most people think about jobs in the rail industry, their first thought is usually the people on board the train: the train engineer and conductor. But the world of rail is vast, and behind every moving train is a network of professionals keeping everything on track—literally and figuratively.
In this blog series, we're diving into the lesser-known but equally vital careers that power the rail industry. From the workers who maintain and inspect tracks to the engineers designing new infrastructure, from the dispatchers coordinating train movements to the marketers and administrators keeping operations running smoothly—rail careers go far beyond the locomotive cab.
Whether you're exploring career options, thinking about a job change, or just curious about how the rail system runs behind the scenes, this series is for you. We’ll highlight key job roles like:
Maintenance of Way – the people who inspect, repair, and maintain the tracks and roadbed
Railcar and Locomotive Maintenance – the crews who ensure rail equipment is safe and reliable
Switching and Yard Operations – the essential work of organizing railcars for departure
Infrastructure Design and Planning – the engineers and planners building the future of rail
Marketing and Administration – the professionals supporting business development, customer service, and logistics
Along the way, we’ll also explore the technical, mechanical, and soft skills that can help you break into these fields—and grow once you’re there.
Follow along to look at the many directions a rail career can take you. Stay tuned for the first post in the series!
