Railcar Maintenance & Repair Mechanics

Cando Rail & Terminals; Whitby; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail services company in Whitby is seeking Railcar Maintenance & Repair Mechanics to ensure railcar safety and compliance. Responsibilities include conducting inspections and repairs, maintaining detailed records, and participating in ongoing training. Candidates must be physically fit and willing to work outdoors, with strong problem-solving skills and a mechanical aptitude. This role also requires passing safety and background checks.

Benefits

Work Life Balance with Fixed Schedules

Technical and Leadership Training Programs

Award Winning Safety Culture

Employee Ownership Program

Group Life and Health Insurances

Qualifications

• Ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Must pass drug and alcohol screening.
• Ability to obtain necessary safety clearances.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and maintenance on freight cars.
• Conduct repairs and safety compliance checks.
• Document all tasks completed accurately.
• Participate in ongoing technical training.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Knowledge of railcar components

Safety compliance

Education

Railcar Mechanic accreditation

Railway background

Class G drivers’ license

Tools

MS Office applications

Welding equipment

Hand tools

Job description

Railcar Maintenance & Repair Mechanics are responsible for ensuring railcar and freight car equipment meet standards for loading product and transportation on the rail network. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, work train services, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3rd largest locomotive fleet in Canada and growing!

Cando Advantages

• Work Life Balance with Fixed Schedules
• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs
• Award Winning Safety Culture
• Employee Ownership Program
• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances
• Flexible Health & Dental Benefits
• Canada’s Best Managed Company for over 9 years!

Railcar Maintenance & Repair Mechanics are responsible for ensuring railcar and freight car equipment meet standards for loading product and transportation on the rail network. Working in a shop and field environment, mechanics must work well in teams to provide safe and effective railcar inspection, repair, and maintenance to maximize efficiency and safety, while demonstrating a strong initiative and willingness to develop in the operation. This position requires candidates to be rotating on-call at certain times.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Perform regulatory inspections of freight cars to identify mechanical, structural, and safety-related defects, ensuring compliance with industry regulations (e.g., Transport Canada, AAR, FRA). Carry out routine maintenance and corrective repairs on components such as, but not limited to couplers, draft gear, truck assemblies, brake systems, safety appliances, and car body structures.
• Complete the installation, removal, and repair of mechanical components such as, but not limited to valves, piping, guards, and protective covers on various railcar types.
• Conduct welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, and other metal fabrication processes as needed for component repair or replacement.
• Apply relevant safety rules and procedures — including Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), company-specific safe work practices, and site-specific protocols — when handling air hoses, brakes, securement devices, and railcar movement tasks.
• Perform unplanned or enroute repairs by responding quickly and effectively to mechanical issues, minimizing service delays.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; ensure tools, equipment, and vehicles are properly maintained and in safe working condition.
• Accurately document all inspections, maintenance tasks, and repairs in daily logs, defect cards, or digital tracking systems.
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment damage, and non-compliant conditions to supervisors promptly.
• Participate in ongoing technical training and job-specific certification programs to maintain mechanical competency and safety compliance.
• Demonstrate professionalism and strong teamwork when interacting with operations teams, customers, and support staff.
• Assist with the tracking and maintaining of inventory and stock levels.
• Assist with routine servicing and replenishment of locomotive and support equipment including refueling, sanding, and restocking consumable material.
• Perform and support site incident recovery operations.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Possess a good mechanical aptitude and knowledge of railcar components.
• Use hand tools and other equipment effectively and without injury.
• Physically fit including the ability to pull self up and down from railcars on a continuous basis, lift and twist air hoses, secure rail car brakes, and operate both derails and switches effectively.
• Be able to work in all weather conditions during day and night shifts, 7 days a week.
• Knowledge with technology and computer systems with the ability to use MS Office applications and other mandatory railway technology systems.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required qualifications and Safety Critical Medical clearances including passing Customer and Cando drug and alcohol screening (pre-employment, post incident, and reasonable grounds testing).
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Proficient mastery of both oral and written communications in English.
• Must be able to obtain and hold an Ontario class D drivers’ license or equivalent.

Education & Experience

• Railway background with welding experience preferred.
• Experience operating various types of equipment an asset.
• Railcar Mechanic accreditation considered an asset.
• Hold and maintain a valid class G drivers’ license, both class D and forklift license would be considered an asset.

Note

This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand the level of expertise required in this position.