Certified Operator Trainee (CN)

Sperry Rail, Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Travel and lodging expenses paid

Clear career path to crew leadership

Job summary

Sperry Rail, Inc. seeks a field-based trainee to become a Certified Operator in Rail Flaw Detection. This role involves extended travel across the eastern or western US, hands-on training through Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection, and progression to leadership on testing crews.

You will earn $20/hour during paid training and, upon certification, a $60,000 annual base salary. Travel and lodging are paid by Sperry. Ready for a long-term career in a niche, high-demand industry.

Qualifications

• Essential: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to multitask and work with tools/equipment.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete training at Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection.
• Learn rail detection methods and procedures across railways.
• Achieve certification in ultrasonic testing standards.
• Work with a crew and develop leadership skills to lead a team.
• Gain knowledge of Sperry’s diagnostic technologies and interfaces.
• Develop mechanical aptitude, including setup and basic repairs.
• Adhere to railroad operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Apply training during extended travel assignments (3–4 months).

Skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About this position

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for railway networks worldwide. With over 95 years of industry leadership, Sperry continues to advance rail safety through innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Position Summary

This is a high-travel, field-based position requiring travel throughout eastern or western US for extended periods (3-4 months at a time).

As a Certified Trainee/Apprentice, you will be trained and developed into a Certified Professional Operator in the Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Sperry provides paid, hands-on training through our Connecticut-based Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection, followed by extensive field experience.

Upon successful completion of training and certification, you will advance into a role where you may be responsible for operating your own testing platform and/or leading a crew.

The location shown in this posting is used for recruiting purposes. This role is field-based and requires extensive travel to multiple job sites, which will be the primary work locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete training at the Sperry School of Rail Flaw Detection
• Learn and apply rail detection methods, technologies, and procedures across Short Line and Class I railways
• Achieve certification in ultrasonic testing standards and apply skills in the field
• Work collaboratively as part of a crew and develop leadership skills to eventually lead a team
• Gain knowledge of Sperry’s diagnostic technologies, systems, and interfaces
• Develop mechanical aptitude, including equipment setup, troubleshooting, and basic repairs
• Learn and adhere to railroad operating procedures and safety protocols
• Apply classroom and field training during extended travel assignments (3–4 months at a time)

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic computer proficiency
• Ability to multitask and work with tools/equipment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and DOT physical (where applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) experience (ultrasonic preferred)
• Prior railroad experience
• Mechanical aptitude or experience with automotive/technical systems
• Extensive travel opportunities
• Hands-on technical experience
• Career growth within a global organization
• Pay: $20.00 per hour during paid training. Upon successful completion of the training program and promotion to Certified Operator, compensation increases to a $60,000 annual base salary
• Travel and lodging expenses paid for by Sperry
• This role offers a clear career path:
  Trainee Certified Operator Crew Leadership Opportunities
• Sperry invests in your development by providing the training, tools, and real-world experience needed to build a long-term career in a specialized and high-demand industry.

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