Mechanic Heavy Equipment (Traveling) - Galesburg, IL

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Galesburg
Other Potential Locations: Galesburg, IL 
Anticipated Start Date: 09/21/2026
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: Pay rate is $9,075.24/mo with approx. annual salary of $104,714 to $136,000

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

Submission of a resume is required.

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway, where joining our Engineering Department means contributing to the backbone of our nation's rail infrastructure. The Mechanic Heavy Equipment (Traveling) position involves maintaining and repairing critical machinery across various locations, ensuring operational efficiency and safety by minimizing equipment downtime.

This is a full-time position, pay is monthly based on the current union agreement. Shifts are Monday through Friday (10-hour shifts), with overtime after ten hours. Subject to alternating shifts or starting times, nights, on-call, weekends, overtime, and holidays.  

The monthly pay rate for a new hire Traveling Mechanic will be approximately $8,726.19. On average, employees starting out as new hire Traveling Mechanic will earn $104,714.28 to $112,629 per year.   Based on business needs in your location or district, earning potential could grow to $136,000+ depending on hours worked and other factors. Again, this is an average based on hours worked, pay rates, and other factors.

Extensive travel is required to job sites on the designated seniority region and states.

Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job and classroom training and will include travel to the BNSF Training Center.

Key responsibilities may include: 

Maintaining and repairing the fleet of equipment operated by BNSF.

Disassembling, repairing, modifying, manufacturing, overhauling, and troubleshooting roadway maintenance equipment, including hydraulic (and associated components), pneumatic air (and associated components), systems, and fuel (gasoline and diesel) systems, driveline components, and final/planetary drive systems.

Operating equipment and using a variety of manual, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools, as well as welders and cutting torches, to perform/verify necessary maintenance and repairs.

Daily work is conducted in a safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.  

BNSF prioritizes safety as a core value of how we do business. Our employees engage in daily safety conversations to achieve our vision. In addition, they must adhere to safety regulations, rules, and policies, including wearing safety equipment, responding to concerns, and taking action in emergencies. 

Relocation assistance not currently available and there is a 60-day probationary period. 

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.   

Basic Qualifications: 

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• 21 years of age or older  
• Able to work safely in the above working conditions.  
• Able to work the above shift/hours.   
• Able to meet the above travel requirements.   
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English.  
• Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally.  
• Possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License minimum, Class A upon requirement. (CDL) with and air brake endorsements or able to obtain one within first 60 days of employment.  
• Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light)  
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment.
• Two years minimum verifiable mechanical work experience or training  
• One-year minimum of verifiable training and/or experience working with gasoline and diesel engines on large, industrial equipment.  
• Three months minimum of verifiable training and/or experience with electrical and/or gas welding.  
• One-year minimum of verifiable training and/or experience with electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic diagrams and schematics.  
• Able to use hands and hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.  
• Occasionally climb ladders, get on/off equipment and work from various heights including making repairs on top of heavy equipment and trucks.  
• Able to bend, lift, walk, stand, and sit for extended time.

Union membership is with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and union dues are required per union agreement.

Seniority district transfers are handled per union agreement, are seniority based and require Director approval.

Here are some of the perks/benefits you can expect as a BNSF employee

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, a few of those benefits include:

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options. You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.
• A Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your retirement goals.
• Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships and more!
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities.  Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

F: MO | Engineering Transitioning Military  | Operations - Engineering | Galesburg, IL | 61401