Freight Car Maintenance Trainee – Welding & Field Tech

Norfolk Southern; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan)

401(k) eligibility from day one

Dental and vision coverage after one y

Life insurance

Job summary

Norfolk Southern invites applications for a Freight Car Repairer Trainee role. This hands-on, field-based program prepares you for a career in freight car maintenance through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe operations, with lodging and travel covered per union agreement. Shift work, extensive travel, and union membership are part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Able to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Able to perform heavy physical labor outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations.
• Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions).
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
• Operate various vehicles and may be required to obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
• Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
• Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears.
• Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
• Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases
• Work safely to prevent accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment.
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Clear communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Welding & fabrication experience

Job description

Norfolk Southern invites applications for a Freight Car Repairer Trainee role. This hands-on, field-based program prepares you for a career in freight car maintenance through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe operations, with lodging and travel covered per union agreement. Shift work, extensive travel, and union membership are part of the role.