ERT/Railcar Repair Technician

Compass Rail Services LLC; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Rail Services LLC is seeking an ERT/Railcar Repair Technician to inspect, maintain, and repair freight railcars at customer and railroad locations. This travel-based role requires deployment to sites for up to seven consecutive days, with work resuming from a home base when not on assignment.

Candidate must identify defects, perform repairs, and ensure compliance with FRA, AAR, and company standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent reading and interpretation of repair procedures and manuals.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual and mechanical inspections of freight railcars.
• Carry out running repairs and routine maintenance per procedures.
• Evaluate railcars for serviceability under FRA and AAR rules.
• Maintain accurate inspection and repair records.
• Safely operate hand and power tools and related equipment.
• Coordinate repairs with railroad personnel and customers.
• Keep tools and work areas clean and organized.
• Adhere to safety policies and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Complete required training and certifications.

Skills

Railcar inspection

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The ERT/Railcar Repair Technician is responsible for performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on freight railcars at customer and railroad locations in a safe, efficient, and professional manner.

This position requires travel to assigned project sites and the ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

The successful candidate will identify mechanical defects, perform necessary repairs, and ensure all work is completed in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), customer, and company standards.

This is a travel-based position. Employees will be deployed to assigned locations for up to seven (7) consecutive days as operational needs arise. When travel assignments are not available, the employee will work from their designated home base location. Candidates must be available for deployment on short notice and be able to report for travel assignments within eight (8) hours of notification when required (some exclusions may apply).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform visual and mechanical inspections of freight railcars to identify defects, wear, damage, or non-compliant conditions.
• Conduct running repairs, including but not limited to brake shoe replacement, brake rigging adjustments, safety appliance repairs, gasket replacement, and other approved mechanical repairs.
• Evaluate railcars in accordance with FRA and AAR regulations to determine serviceability and identify cars requiring bad-order designation.
• Complete and maintain accurate inspection reports, repair records, defect documentation, and regulatory compliance paperwork.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, hydraulic equipment, cutting torches, grinders, jacks, and other repair-related equipment.
• Coordinate repair activities with railroad personnel, customers, dispatchers, yardmasters, and supervisors to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean, organized, and serviceable condition.
• Follow all company safety policies, railroad operating rules, PPE requirements, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Participate in required training programs and maintain all certifications necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel extensively and remain on assignment for up to seven (7) consecutive days.
• Ability to respond to deployment requests within two (2) hours when on-call.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow repair procedures, work orders, technical manuals, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, safety training, and railroad certification requirements.

Preferred

• Previous experience in freight railcar inspection, repair, or related mechanical maintenance.
• Working knowledge of FRA and AAR rules and regulations.
• Welding, cutting, or mechanical repair experience in railroad, industrial, transportation, or heavy equipment environments.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and varying terrain.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to safely access railcars, ladders, platforms, and elevated work areas.
• Ability to work around moving rail equipment and in active rail yard and industrial environments while maintaining situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols.