Freight Car Repairer - Conway, PA 2026

Freight Car Repairer - Conway, PA

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT valuesSafety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamworkwhich guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our rolling stock, we invite you to explore the Freight Car Repairer Trainee role. This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in freight car maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.

Job Responsibilities:

• Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations.
• Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions).
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
• Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
• Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears.
• Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
• Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases.

Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Must pass background screening and post-offer medical examinations, including drug tests.

Qualifications Preferred:

• One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
• Mechanical experience or Carman apprenticeship.
• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2141, 91B, 91H, heavy equipment mechanics).

Training:

• Training includes both classroom and field instruction:
• Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in welding and fabrication.
• Field Training: Hands-on experience in car repair shops and yards.
• Duration: Approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training).
• Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Progression:

• 1st 40 Working Days: $21.26 (50% of Full rate)
• Next 204 Working Days: $31.89 (75% of Full rate)
• Next 244 Working Days: $34.01 (80% of Full rate)
• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.52 (100% of Full Rate)

Benefits include: Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire. Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one. Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.