Military Experience

Some of Union Pacific's first employees were Civil War veterans, and through our 145-year history, we've consistently supported the military – whether by moving troops and supplies, or by providing good jobs for veterans and active-duty soldiers. Union Pacific will comply with the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act (USERRA) which provides leave and reemployment rights for veterans, reservists, national guard members, and others serving in the uniformed services.

For the last six years, Union Pacific has been recognized as one of the most Military Friendly Employers in America by G.I. Jobs magazine. We were No. 1 on the magazine's 2005, 2006 and 2010 lists.

The qualities that made you successful in the military – diligence, flexibility, integrity – make you a great candidate for the railroad. And there's a good chance that your military training is relevant, too.

Here is an overview of UP career opportunities and how they might match up with your experience. Please note: This is not a comprehensive list, but rather a starting point to help you navigate employment options at Union Pacific.

Military Specialty	Union Pacific Career Opportunities
Operations Infantry Ordnance Artillery Security Forces Construction Heavy Equipment Operator Petroleum Specialist	Mechanical Shop Laborer Bridge & Building Carpenter Bridge & Building Electrician Track Laborer - Regional, System, Driver and Welder Bridge Tender Truck Driver Crane Mechanic Coach Cleaner Apprentice Freight Car Repairer Carman Material Handler Hostler Train Crew
*Mechanic/Machinist* Pipefitter Maintenance Welding Sheet Metal Worker Enginemen Machinist/Diesel Engine Mechanic Machinery Repairman Steel Worker	Apprentice Diesel Mechanic Mechanic - Diesel Engines Apprentice Work Equipment Mechanic Work Equipment Mechanic Machinist Helper Mechanic-in-Charge Pipefitter Sheet Metal Worker Boilermaker Track Laborer - Regional, System, Driver and Welder Apprentice Freight Repairer Carman Carman Helper Carman Toolman Iron Worker/Welder Train Crew
*Electrician* Electronic Technician Electrician	Apprentice Diesel Electrician Electrician - Diesel Engines Traveling Electricians Assistant Signal Person Signal Maintainer Electronic Technician
Transportation Air Traffic Controller Transportation Logistics	Yardmaster Crew Dispatcher Train Dispatcher Train Crew
*Communication* Communications Maintainer Signal Computer Technician	Electronic Technician Installation Technician Console Operator Sr. Computer Control Specialist Assistant Signal Person Signal Maintainer
*Law Enforcement* Investigations Military Police Security Forces	Special Agent Sr. Special Agent Background Investigator
*Supply* Inventory Quartermaster Warehouser	Material Handler Control Operator Mechanical Service Operator Train Crew
*Administration* Finance Postal Clerk Personnel Administration Chaplain Assistant Human Resources	TCU Clerk Extra Board Clerk Gate Inspector Utility Clerk Senior Administrative Clerk Tie Down Clerk Yard Clerk
Leadership Experience - 5 yrs Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers 4 year college degree (required)	Operations Management Training - Transportation Associate Operations Management Training - Engineering Associate Operations Management Training - Mechanical Associate

Application Advice

We encourage military personnel to apply at Union Pacific within three months of your separation date – and no sooner. Include your separation date or the day that you can start work on your application.

Remember that applying at Union Pacific is very different from applying for a job with a military contractor. Please avoid using military acronyms or jargon. Write clearly, and tailor your resume to the position you are applying for. Highlight any training and experience you have that directly relates to the open position.

After you submit your application, you can check your status online. We review applications daily. If you are invited to interview, your status will be updated to "Invite to Hiring Session." Otherwise your status will say, "Currently Being Reviewed."

You might consider applying for more than one position. As the largest railroad in North America, we frequently have similar positions open all over the country. View all positions to learn more about openings we need to fill immediately.

Watch a video about an employee who made the transition from the military to Union Pacific.

Read more about how UP supports the troops, and how UP employees on active duty are making a difference.

Military Experience

Explore Jobs

Recruiting Events

Employee Videos