Protect yourself - Operations Manager/Engineering Manager BNSF Railway Employee Review

1.0
Jul 25, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Too many to list. Overall it really is a good place to work. But the one word of warning is a HUGE one!

Cons

Do not under ANY circumstances take your first job at BNSF in an Exempt at-will position that they call "Management." Even though you may not manage anybody or anything a lot of their jobs are called Exempt "management." In other words, at-will non-union positions. You could work there 11 years like I did with great evaluations and then a new manager decides he doesn't like you. You can be fired with no reason given other than "Your services are no longer needed." Career over! But if you work even a short time in one of the many Union positions just keep paying the small union dues when you continue to promote up the Exempt Employee route. You will always have a Union job there to fall back on even if you get fired for cause from your at-will position

Explore other reviews about BNSF Railway

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great Benefits -People Forward culture -Railroad Retirement

Cons

-Some working policies are as forward as they can be for a railroad but are not as flexible compared to other industries

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and strong coworkers across the organization. The company offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and good overall stability. There are many experienced employees who care about the work and are willing to help others succeed.

Cons

The organization can be very hierarchical, which sometimes makes it difficult to drive change or move quickly. Decisions often require multiple layers of approval, so it can take longer than expected to finalize direction or make progress. There is also limited flexibility compared to what many other companies offer, especially when it comes to working arrangements.

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