Apprentice Freight Car Repair - Council Bluffs, IA

Union Pacific Corporation; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Assistance (including online

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Wellness programs

Job summary

Union Pacific Corporation is seeking an apprentice to join a comprehensive three-year Freight Car Repair training program in Council Bluffs, IA. You will inspect, repair, and rebuild freight cars, gaining hands-on experience with inspections, maintenance tasks, and replacement of defective components.

You will learn to safely operate tools and equipment, work with various components, and communicate issues clearly with teammates and supervisors, contributing to high safety and reliability

Qualifications

• Basic math skills are required.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication to convey information to coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, safety rules, bulletins, and regulatory documents.
• Must pass an English language assessment before interview.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including initial terminal air brake tests and pre-trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, including fabrication, cutting, and rough finishing of metal and wood parts; fasten components by riveting, bolting, or welding.
• Remove and replace faulty components such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and readiness.
• Operate tools and equipment safely, such as torches, hand tools, power tools, welding devices, and shop machines.
• Communicate technical information and procedures to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive relationships and resolve arising situations.
• Ensure conformity with railroad safety rules, operations, and FRA guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Basic math skills

Valid driver's license

Verbal and written communication

Reading and understanding instructions

English assessment required

Tools

Welding

Air tools

100-ton jacks

Hydraulic equipment

Torches

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Date: Oct 28, 2026

Location: CO BLUFFS, IA, US, 50000

Reference Number: 5502
Department:Mechanical
Closing Date:
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.

Pay Rate: $35.05/hour

If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.

Description

Join our team at one of North America's leading railroad companies and embark on a comprehensive three-year training program to become a skilled Freight Car Repairer! As an apprentice in this role, you will gain in-depth knowledge and hands‑on experience in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding freight cars. Every day, you'll be actively involved in conducting inspections, executing scheduled and on‑demand maintenance tasks, and skillfully repairing or replacing defective components on our rolling stock. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

Accountabilities

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages resulting from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including conducting initial terminal air brake tests and pre‑trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, involving tasks such as fabricating, cutting, or performing rough finish operations on metal and wood replacement parts. Additionally, fasten or assemble car parts through riveting, bolting, or welding.
• Remove and replace faulty components, such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and ensuring proper readiness.
• Operate various tools and equipment safely and effectively, such as acetylene torches, non‑power hand tools, power tools, electric and gas welding equipment, and other shop machines, vehicles, and tools.
• Communicate technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work‑related information verbally and in writing to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and skillfully resolve any arising situations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

Qualifications - Required

• Basic mathematic skills
• Valid driver's license
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• To be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Proficient in operating heavy equipment, including but not limited to construction machinery, farm equipment, etc. (Consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
• Experience working in an environment that necessitates the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Demonstrated ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, drawing from professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Proficient in welding or possessing a welding certificate, backed by professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Skilled in effectively operating a range of tools required for repairing freight/passenger cars, such as 100‑ton jacks, air tools, compressors, generators, welders, hydraulic equipment, or torches.
• Flexibility to work on‑call, overtime, various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and potentially 7 days a week.
• Willingness and capability to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Ability to work safely around large equipment, such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.

Physical Requirements

• To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT). Please note that this test is separate from the medical exam. For additional details, refer to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
• Standing: The ability to remain standing for more than half of the workday, with occasional opportunities to change positions for comfort.
• Walking and Balance: Being capable of frequent walking and maintaining balance on various surfaces. Candidates should also exhibit coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects.
• Lifting and Push/Pull: The capacity to push and pull objects weighing up to 93 lbs and lift items weighing up to 85 lbs. Additionally, candidates should be able to occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel as necessary.
• Climbing: Occasional climbing is required to access cars and work vehicles.

Work Conditions

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
• Perform tasks at elevated heights of 18 feet or above.
• Apply only to those locations where you are prepared to live and work

What we offer:

• A strengths‑based, engagement‑focused, and performance‑oriented culture
• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out‑of‑pocket cost for online and in‑person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Union Pacificstrives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance‑based company.