Tamper Operator – Railway Maintenance

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Tamper Operator operating railway tamping machines for Railserve, a U.S. industrial railyard services provider.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in operating rail-mounted tamper machines and performing maintenance tasks while adhering to railway safety protocols and regulations. Capable of interpreting track diagrams and collaborating effectively with maintenance crews to ensure optimal track conditions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Rail-Mounted Tamper OperationTrack Geometry UnderstandingRailway Safety ProtocolsMechanical AptitudeFRA-Compliant Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Track AlignmentTamping Equipment CalibrationRoutine Equipment InspectionBasic Equipment MaintenanceTrack Defect Reporting

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationProblem-SolvingAbility to Work IndependentlyTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Tamping MachinesRailway Maintenance Equipment

Certifications & Qualifications

FRA-Compliant TrainingCompany-Specific Certification

Industry Keywords

Railroad MaintenanceAREMA RegulationsTrack ProtectionFlaggingRail Safety Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate rail-mounted tamper machines to align, level, and compact track ballast beneath railway ties
Follow track maintenance schedules and procedures under the direction of the Track Supervisor
Adjust and calibrate tamping equipment for specific rail conditions and tolerances
Read and interpret track diagrams, work orders, and machine settings
Conduct routine pre-operation inspections of tamping machines
Perform basic maintenance and troubleshoot tamper equipment
Collaborate with maintenance-of-way personnel, surfacing crews, welders, and track inspectors
Report unsafe conditions, track defects, and equipment malfunctions
Maintain accurate daily logs and production records

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma or GED preferred
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in railroad maintenance or operating rail-bound machinery
Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required depending on jurisdiction
Certification for railway equipment operation, such as FRA-compliant training or company-specific certification
Strong understanding of track geometry and alignment principles
Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor repairs
Knowledge of railway safety protocols, including track protection and flagging
Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance crew
Effective communication and problem-solving skills
Familiarity with railway maintenance practices and safety standards, including AREMA and FRA regulations
Ability to travel extensively along rail corridors and work in remote locations
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and near moving trains and heavy equipment
Availability for night shifts, weekends, and extended hours during track outages or scheduled maintenance windows
Ability to sit, stand, and operate equipment for long periods
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs
Ability to climb on and off rail equipment safely
Good vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program
Training and development opportunities