What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inspector, New Cars position at GATX?
Overview
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, GATX Corporation (NYSE: GATX) is an industry leader with 125 years of success—success that is powered by our people. We are proud of our high-performance culture, hard-working and enthusiastic management team, and beautiful office space in the Willis Tower.
At GATX, we hire the best and offer our employees a dynamic, energetic, collaborative environment to enable them to make an impact from day one. Enjoy the perks and benefits of a global company with the close-knit culture and community of a much smaller one. In the same way we strive to empower our customers to propel the world forward, we are dedicated to providing our people with the tools and resources they need to move forward in their careers. And, thanks to our employees, in 2023 we were named one of Chicago’s Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for the fourth time!
GATX, one of the largest railcar leasing companies in the world takes delivery of up to 4,000 new railcars per year and the New Railcar Inspector efforts are intended to maximize GATX’s procured railcar quality, value, and reliability while ensuring satisfactory railcar performance for our customers and minimizing future maintenance events and costs for GATX. This person will be a technical liaison and advocate on behalf of GATX at railcar manufacturing locations.
The New Railcar Inspector will need to reside within commuting distance of railcar manufacturing in Longview, TX and will need to travel to Mexico manufacturing locations 50% of the time or more as needed. Mexico manufacturing plant inspection will require weekly overnight travel with 3-4 days per week at location making travel 50-75% of the time.
Responsibilities
The New Railcar Inspector is responsible for the inspection and monitoring of manufacturing and Quality Assurance processes throughout all phases of railcar production. In addition, completing final inspections of tank cars, freight cars and related railcar components at railcar suppliers’ facilities to ensure GATX order specifications are adhered to and met.
- Perform in-process inspections through all phases of manufacturing and final inspection of railcars. This includes inspecting related components before release of railcars from suppliers’ facilities to assure quality workmanship and that GATX build order requirements are properly maintained. This person will accept railcars on behalf of GATX for final shipment. Other activities include participation in drawing and specification review meetings, documenting supplier performance for quality improvement and defect investigation, and facilitating customer visits.
- Actively meet and participate with railcar supplier’s Plant Management and Quality Assurance personnel to assure adherence to building specifications. Ensure production/quality documents for processes are up to date and accurate and are meeting GATX requirements.
- Observe safe work practices in a heavy industry working environment in compliance with GATX and railcar suppliers’ manufacturing plant safety policies.
- The individual filling this position will represent GATX’s interests and interact daily with Railcar Suppliers’ plant personnel at all levels, from shop floor employees all the way up to the plant manager. The individual will also interact with GATX’s New Car Procurement Team and Engineers, as well as various railcar component and coating representatives during the production of railcars for GATX.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Required:
- Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent
- Post-High School education preferred
- Minimum of 7 years railcar inspection or railcar manufacturing experience
- Experience in railcar manufacturing Quality Control preferred
- Knowledge of railcar types, components and regulatory requirements
- Weld inspection experience, AWS CWI preferred
- Knowledge of railcar coatings, NACE certification preferred
- Knowledge of NDT performance and evaluation preferred
- Current passport or ability to obtain passport required
Other:
- The New Car Inspector will need to reside within commuting distance of railcar manufacturing in Longview, TX and will need to travel to Mexico manufacturing locations 50% of the time or more as needed. Mexico manufacturing plant inspection will require weekly overnight travel with 3-4 days per week at location making travel 50-75% of the time.
- Inspection - Visual evaluation and dimensional measurement, as required, including use of inspection equipment (weld gauges, mil gauges, etc.)
- Physical activity – Walking throughout railcar manufacturing facilities indoors and outdoors within heavy industry environment including inherent trip/fall hazards. Climbing on, under, and into railcars both during and after construction. Standing or kneeling for prolonged periods.
- This is an external facing position that requires day to day work at various manufacturing locations and at companies outside of GATX.
As of January 29, 2025, the salary range for this position is $78,000.00 to $105,000.00. This range for this position is a reasonable estimate and takes into account several factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to geographic location, skill set, experience, education, training, internal equity and other business needs.
This role may be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive plan, the details of which will be provided to the applicant upon hire.
This posting will remain open until the role is filled.
As of the post date, the salary range for this position is:
Salary : $78,000 - $105,000
