Railcar Repair Technician

Job Title: Railcar Repair Technician Job Description

The Railcar Repair Technician performs mobile repairs and maintenance on railcars in the field and in yard environments. This role focuses on inspecting, repairing, and replacing mechanical and structural components, ensuring railcars meet industry standards and operate safely and reliably. You work hands-on with brake systems, couplers, structural steel, and other critical parts, following established rules and procedures while supporting switching and ground operations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform mobile railcar repairs under the guidance of a lead or Level 2 technician.

• Remove and replace brake systems, brake assemblies, and brake shoes using appropriate tools and procedures.

• Remove and replace couplers, draft gears, yokes, and uncoupling levers.

• Repair or replace structural steel components such as side posts, rafters, crossties, panels, floors, underframes, and piping using welding torches, electric welders, power wrenches, and hand tools.

• Replace and repair gaskets, air hoses, train lines, and related components as required.

• Maintain, repair, or replace air brake pipes, valves, fittings, and other associated appurtenances.

• Straighten and replace grab irons, handholds, sill steps, and other exterior railcar hardware.

• Repair freight car sides, ends, doors, and floors by burning, straightening, or patching steel sections.

• Clean and prepare railcar and caboose surfaces for painting, including washing and surface preparation.

• Stencil letters and numbers on railcars to ensure proper identification and compliance.

• Safely pull, push, and position heavy equipment and railcar components when making or completing repairs.

• Safely move, position, and handle heavy equipment and railcar parts in accordance with safety procedures.

• Assist with switching operations, ground operations, and track mobile equipment as trained.

• Demonstrate the ability to throw and align rail switches as part of ground operations.

• Train and qualify 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.

• Read and follow work instructions, safety rules, and methods and procedures in mechanical drawing and layout work.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel to support railcar maintenance and operations.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical background and aptitude with hands-on repair skills.

• Ability to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.

• Ability to read and understand safety rules, work instructions, and procedures for the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment.

• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and work with a variety of variables where limited standardization exists.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and layout work.

• Comfort working outdoors on uneven surfaces and in varying weather conditions.

• Reliable, safety-focused work approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to travel daily (approximately 50% or more) and work flexible hours as job demands change.

• Capability to throw and align rail switches and perform ground operations safely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Welding and machine experience preferred.

• Experience with railroad environments, repair of electrical and brake systems, and welding is beneficial.

• Prior rail industry experience is a plus but not required; training is provided for qualified candidates.

• Comfort with mobile field work and handling heavy equipment and components.

• Willingness to learn and consistently apply FRA and AAR rules and industry regulations.

• Ability to use impact wrenches, hydraulic bolt fasteners, welding torches, electric welders, power wrenches, and standard hand tools.

• Attention to detail when stenciling letters and numbers and preparing railcars for painting.

Why Work Here?

You join a team that offers full-time, stable employment with mobile work that keeps each day varied and engaging. You receive on-the-job training and ongoing skill development, supported by leadership that values safety, teamwork, and mutual respect. The culture emphasizes collaboration and field experience, with competitive, experience-based compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your long-term growth and well-being.

Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in rail yards and outdoor industrial settings. You stand for extended periods on concrete and work around moving machinery and rail equipment. The environment includes occasional exposure to vibration, noise, temperature extremes (hot and cold), work at heights, uneven surfaces, cramped quarters, smoke, dust, and paint. Shift work and travel are part of the role, and you complete paperwork associated with repairs and compliance. You wash and prepare railcars outside in all weather conditions and must wear correct personal protective equipment, including masks for identified tasks and painting. Work attire follows industrial safety standards, with PPE required at all times in designated areas.

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 Oct 2, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.