Car Mechanic (Freight Car Repairer)

Canadian National Inc.; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Unionized environment

Apprenticeship program

Job summary

Canadian National Inc. is seeking a Car Mechanic Apprentice to inspect, maintain, build and repair railway freight cars in accordance with federal and CN regulations.

You will begin as a Car Mechanic Apprentice and progress to a Journey Car Mechanic under a structured CN apprenticeship path. This role includes on‑the‑job training, unionized work environment, and a comprehensive benefits package, with potential progression through CN's apprenticeship framework and training courses at the work

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage stress.
• Demonstrated teamwork and positive interactions with others.

Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad regulations and company standards.
• Perform scheduled, on-request, and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars and related systems.
• Repair and install car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, pipes.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments.
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes and trucks.
• Prepare inspection and maintenance reports and record details as required.

Skills

Teamwork

Autonomy

Safety mindset

Communication

Reading & writing

Basic computer skills

Ability to work under stress

Electrical/electronic tools knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver's license

Tools

Welding equipment

Hand and power tools

Measuring instruments

Cutting torches

Job description

Please note that the language you select on this site will be the primary language used for all future communications regarding your application.

Qualified Rate: $42.49 Per hour

Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.

If you enjoy hands‑on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety‑first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people.

Join us today and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, building and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with federal and CN regulations. The incumbent is considered a Car Mechanic Apprentice until they qualify as a Journey Car Mechanic (refer to the training description below).

Main Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards
• Perform all scheduled, on-request and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and any associated tests
• Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment
• Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures

Working Conditions

• Available to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime when necessary
• Partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and occasionally up to 85 pounds (39 kg)
• Frequent climbing or balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination
• May be required to work away from their assigned terminal
• Respirator use is required for certain tasks, with periodic audiometric testing and respirator fit testing conducted as needed

Experience

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience an asset*

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Valid driver's licence
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Must be 18 years of age
• The incumbent must meet all medical fitness-for-duty and safety requirements for the role
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and stress
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
• Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Vocational and technical training and knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
• Basic computer skills

• Must be 18 years of age
• The incumbent must meet all medical fitness-for-duty and safety requirements for the role
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and stress
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
• Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Vocational and technical training and knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
• Basic computer skills

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent receives on-the-job training, including theoretical and practical instruction, over a period of 3 weeks at 40 hours per week. Depending on the incumbent's level of experience, a 4-year CN-specific apprenticeship program may be required, and the incumbent will attend a series of courses at their work location in Canada. The training includes rail car components, rail car inspection, single-car tests, special commodities Level 2, freight car repairs, jacking procedures, railway welding, aerial lifts, yard operating rules, and other topics relevant to the role. Successful completion of this training is essential for the future performance of the role's duties.This role is unionized. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [e-mail].

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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