Rail Maintenance Technician

L.B. Foster Company; Columbia City (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

L.B. Foster Company in Columbia City, IN is seeking a CWR Maintenance Technician to operate the Pilot Unloader for Continuous Welded Rail trains and to support yard operations at the Columbia City Yard.

The role requires extensive field work, communication with railway personnel, preventive maintenance, and documenting all activities, with weekly travel across North America. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, a 2-year technical degree preferred, and a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• 2-year technical degree preferred.
• Valid driver's license and passport required.
• Minimum 3 years hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical knowledge and schematics reading experience.
• E-Railsafe and Roadway Worker Protection certification preferred.
• Welding experience preferred.
• Experience reading manuals and engineering diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan work activities with railway personnel and customers.
• Perform preventive maintenance on CWR equipment and rail train cars in the field.
• Maintain Columbia City yard equipment and ensure safe operation of engines, tools, and conveyors.
• Remove or fabricate parts using power tools, welders and torches.
• Document all work activities, travels, and vehicle logs.
• Lead the Safety Committee functions under yard management.
• Interact with outside vendors to ensure quality standards are met.
• Travel extensively across North America on a weekly basis and work overtime as needed.

Skills

Communication

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Technical writing

Safety compliance

Field experience

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Two-year technical degree preferred

Job description

A CWR Maintenance Technician travels to various domestic and international job sites, working with customers to coordinate and plan work activities. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Pilot Unloader for Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) Train, as well as performing maintenance for Yard Operations at the Columbia City Yard.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• 1. Demonstrate effective communication with Railway personnel, over the phone and email, to plan / schedule unloading the rail train.
• 2. Perform equipment maintenance (CWR Operations) in the field by completing preventive maintenance requirements as related to rail train cars and unloader units, following manuals, diagrams, manufacturer’s instructions, and engineering specifications.
• 3. Perform equipment maintenance at Columbia City yard. Ensure operation of machinery and equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements on engines, hydraulic tools, rail saw, conveyor systems, portable hydraulic equipment, following manuals, diagrams manufacturer’s instructions and engineering specifications.
• 4. Remove and or fabricate parts by using provided machinery equipment and tools (power tools, forklifts, grinders, MIG and stick welders, and plasma and acetylene torches).
• 5. Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational classes, workshops and reviewing technical publications and establishing professional networks.
• 6. Coordinate work with outside vendors and ensure L.B Foster’s quality standards and expectations are being met.
• 7. Lead the functions of the Safety Committee, under the direction of the Columbia City Yard manager.
• 8. Perform documentation and reporting of all work-related activities including miles traveled / tested, travel expenses, vehicle logbooks, daily work reports, etc.
• 9. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• 10. Ability to work with very little supervision and stay on task.
• 11. All other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, & License Requirements

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• 2-year technical degree preferred
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid U.S. Passport required.
• Welding experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and schematics reading experience required.
• E-Railsafe and Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) certification for applicable client railways, plus other customer-based training as may be required to access work sites.
• Employee will need to have current Passport.

Physical Requirements

• The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. and be subjected to occasional moderate to intense physical exertion while performing required duties on uneven and rocky surfaces.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands and finger to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, for prolonged periods of time.
• Work may also involve:
  • Proximity to moving mechanical parts
  • Exposure to risk of electrical shock
  • Moderate heights to access equipment for repair / inspection or when traveling/working on Unloader train
  • Inclement weather conditions (e.g. wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold or heat)
  • Exposure to fumes, airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Moderate to high noise levels
• The employee may be assigned to work at a client's office or job site. Conditions may vary at each location, but those listed above will generally apply.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication (verbal and computer) and time management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Software.
• Demonstrates a high degree of reliability, professionalism, and the ability to work independently are critical attributes for this position.
• Sound technical writing skills are required for work report submissions.
• Ability and willingness to follow all applicable safety and operating rules for client railways in a professional and conscientious manner.
• Extensive work time spent in the field with other time spent in the yard.
• Extensive travel to work sites throughout North America is required on a weekly basis.
• Overtime hours may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends and/or holidays.
• Extensive travel and ability to mobilize to requested work sites on short notice by air or ground. Some assignments may last up to 2-3 weeks before return home is possible for compensatory time-off.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Technical/other training or better in Mechanical Systems.

Experience

Required

3 years:

Minimum 3 yrs hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and schematics reading experience.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Preferred

eRail Safe

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.