Railcar Repair Technician

Railcar Repair Technician

The Railcar Repair Technician performs mobile repairs on freight railcars under the guidance of a lead or advanced technician. In this role, you remove and replace critical mechanical and structural components, perform welding and fabrication work, and prepare railcars for painting and return to service. You work hands-on with brake systems, couplers, structural steel, and air systems while following all applicable safety, FRA, AAR, and company procedures. This position is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who enjoys field work, problem-solving, and working in a variety of outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform mobile railcar repairs under the guidance of a lead or Level 2 technician, ensuring work meets FRA, AAR, and company standards.
• Remove and replace brake systems, including brake assemblies and brake shoes, and maintain, repair, or replace air brake pipes, valves, fittings, and related components.
• Remove and replace couplers, draft gears, yokes, uncoupling levers, and other key mechanical components.
• Repair or replace structural components such as side posts, rafters, crossties, panels, floors, underframes, piping, and other steel sections using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Weld, burn, straighten, patch, and install steel components using welding torches, electric welders, power wrenches, and hand tools in accordance with proper procedures.
• Repair freight car sides, ends, doors, and floors by burning, straightening, patching, or replacing damaged sections.
• Stencil letters and numbers on railcars and prepare surfaces of railcars or cabooses for painting, including cleaning and surface preparation.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain railcar surfaces and components to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Replace and/or repair gaskets, air hoses, train lines, and related appurtenances as required.
• Straighten and/or replace grab irons, handholds, sill steps, and similar safety-related components on cars.
• Safely pull, push, move, position, and handle heavy equipment and railcar parts when making or completing repairs.
• Assist with switching operations, including the ability to throw and align switches as needed.
• Train and perform duties as a track mobile operator and/or groundman as required.
• Follow all safety rules, General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, FRA requirements, and company procedures at all times.
• Use impact wrenches, hydraulic bolt fasteners, and other shop tools and equipment to fasten and secure car parts.
• Read and follow safety rules, work instructions, mechanical drawings, and layout work to complete assignments accurately.
• Wash railcars and perform exterior cleaning tasks in all weather conditions as required.
• Complete paperwork and documentation accurately and in a timely manner to record repairs and inspections.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision to support shop, field, and rail operations.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on repair skills with the ability to work on complex mechanical and structural systems.
• Good mechanical knowledge sufficient to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to read and understand safety rules, work instructions, methods and procedures, and mechanical drawings and layout work.
• Ability to safely use welding torches, electric welders, power wrenches, impact wrenches, hydraulic bolt fasteners, and hand tools.
• Capability to follow detailed procedures and instructions for repair, maintenance, and inspection of railcars.
• Reliability and strong safety focus, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfort working outdoors, on uneven surfaces, and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel daily approximately 50% or more and work flexible hours as job demands change.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, pull, push, and position heavy equipment and components, and work in cramped quarters and at heights as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Welding and machine experience preferred, including experience with structural steel repair.
• Prior rail industry experience is a plus but not required; training is provided for qualified candidates.
• Familiarity with FRA and AAR rules and requirements is advantageous.
• Experience with repair of electrical or brake systems is beneficial.
• Willingness to learn rail industry rules, regulations, and company-specific procedures.
• Ability to operate or willingness to be trained as a track mobile operator and/or groundman.
• Comfort working around vibration, noise, moving machinery, smoke, dust, paint, and other industrial conditions.
• Strong attention to detail for stenciling, surface preparation, and inspection tasks.
• Effective communication skills to interact with supervisors, team members, and other operational staff.

Why Work Here?

You join a team that offers full-time, stable employment with the opportunity to build a long-term career in the rail industry. The role provides mobile field work that keeps each day varied and engaging, along with on-the-job training to help you grow your mechanical and welding skills. You work within a supportive, team-driven culture where leadership invests in your development and safety. Compensation is competitive and based on experience, and you have access to comprehensive benefits that support your overall well-being and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based and involves continuous standing on concrete surfaces and frequent work outdoors. You work in environments that may include vibration, noise, hot and cold temperature extremes, uneven surfaces, work at heights, cramped quarters, and proximity to moving machinery. Shift work and travel are part of the role, with daily travel of approximately 50% or more depending on job demands. You may be exposed to smoke, dust, paint, and other industrial substances, particularly when washing railcars or preparing and painting surfaces. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks must be worn for identified tasks, including painting and specific maintenance activities. The work involves using industrial tools and equipment such as welding torches, electric welders, power wrenches, impact wrenches, hydraulic bolt fasteners, and various hand tools in a rail yard or shop environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kasota, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $34.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kasota, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.