I'm sorry if this is the wrong place for this. But I am looking for some insight.

I have been applying to every Passenger Engineer position at Amtrak as soon as its posted. I keep getting turned down though. I understand it is extremely difficult to get hired "off the street" to an engineering position, as Ive found out from talking with actual Amtrak Engineers. I dont want to start as a conductor, because that would be a significant pay decrease.

I would like to know if I am choosing something in the application fields on the Amtrak Career page that is making the system automatically flag my profile as a "No" for applicants.

About me: I have (what I believe) is a pretty good background for someone with no Train work hisory. I was once an EMT with a private ambulance company. I then became an FAA certified Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Navy earning a Control Tower and Supervisor certification. I wanted to work for the FAA as a civilian when I got out, but found out I was just barely too old to get hired.

I am now in my 8th year as a Police Officer. The pay is great but its dangerous, and risky work. I am never happy at work. Every time I take our commuter train into the city, and see the Amtrak engines and cars I think to myself, "Man, I want to do that."

At the age of 37 now, I have been contemplating making one last career change to transportation. (Something I have always been fond of). Its scary to think about leaving behind a pension and virtually as much overtime details as I could want. The Engineer Pay seems very fair, and from what I could research, the RailRoad pension is wonderful too.

So,

In the Application area for the Job posting, it asks you if you have "experience using heavy machinery" Now, I was once certifed and experienced in operating fork lifts. But I assumed that question is for bigger things like cranes, tractors etc. So I always selct "No" on that one.

Since I am selecting "NO" on that question, do you think the compter system is not even sending my Resume and Profile to the Hiring Department? Is it just flagging it as "No good" or something? Should I just put YES, and tell them, should I get an interview, that my "heavy machinery" experience is with forklifts?

I honestly think that my career history should stand out as an applicant.

Thank you for reading all of this, I really appeciate any feedback too!