Railcar Mechanic

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• This position is responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of rail cars and components.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Inspect car components for compliance with FRA, Association of American Railroads (AAR) and QRS standards
• Identify or analyze defective components and indicate the necessary corrective action
• Inspect the securement of lading in open top or flat cars for compliance with AAR rules and measure high/wide loads to ensure railway line clearance
• Inspect and salvage parts from dismantled and/or scrapped cars
• Inspect and apply end-of-train device and perform airbrake tests
• Clean, lubricate and maintain tie-down devices and other special equipment on railroad cars
• Weld and paint cars, locomotives and components.
• Cut metal, sandblast, replace doors and general car construction
• Remove and replace couplers, draft gears and yokes
• Inspect, replace and/or repair gaskets, air hose, train line, bulkhead and other interior load restraining equipment, steel sections such as side sheets, Cross bearers, crossties and underframing
• Build and/or repair components such as freight doors, wooden floors or interior walls
• Fabricate large jigs and fixtures and use them to assemble parts on car
• Straighten or fabricate, then replace steel parts such as: grab irons, handholds, ladders, brackets, steps and patching components
• Operate light and heavy cranes, forklifts, and other car moving shop equipment
• Operate various vehicles to the job site
• Operation of acetylene torches, non-power handheld tools, power hand-held tools and electric and gas welding equipment and other tools/equipment as needed.
• Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad
• Comply with company and federal safety rules, policies and procedures to include wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns and taking appropriate action.
• Complete annual training and pass the safety and Carmen work rules examination. Must past required welding qualification test

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 18 years of age or older
• Valid Driver's License
• Able to read, write and communicate in English.
• Mechanical Experience
• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications-both general and technical)
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and trouble shooting skills)
• Mechanical aptitude

• Physical Requirements
  • Heavy work, lifting to 85 pounds
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
  • Stooping/bending/kneeling/crouch/balance/climbing
  • Walking on uneven surfaces
  • Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor

Education & Experience

• High School diploma /GED
• One or more years of welding and fabrication experience
• Journeyman Carman