Freight Car Repair Trainee: Field Welding & Maintenance

Norfolk Southern Corp.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage begins second month

Life insurance

401(k) eligibility from day one

Dental and vision after one year

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corp. is hiring a Freight Car Repairer Trainee. This hands-on, field-based program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training to inspect, repair, and maintain railroad cars and ensure safe, efficient operations across the network.

As a seniority-based union position, trainees learn welding and fabrication, with lodging and travel provided per union agreement. Shift work and extensive travel may be required during training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and medicals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and perform heavy labor
• Pass background check and post-offer medical examinations

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, maintain freight cars per FRA & AAR standards
• Follow railroad safety rules for operations
• Weld and cut using SMAW and FCAW in 2F/3F/4F positions
• Operate forklifts, cranes, car-moving equipment
• May need CDL for Locomotive Service truck
• Straighten, fabricate, replace grab irons, ladders, sill steps
• Replace wheels, couplers, brake gear, valves, yokes, draft gears
• Rerail cars and locomotives with rerailing equipment
• Enter repair data in computer systems (components, destinations, records)
• Work safely; wear PPE and pass safety exams

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL (commercial driver’s license)

Welding experience

Job description

Norfolk Southern Corp. is hiring a Freight Car Repairer Trainee. This hands-on, field-based program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training to inspect, repair, and maintain railroad cars and ensure safe, efficient operations across the network.

As a seniority-based union position, trainees learn welding and fabrication, with lodging and travel provided per union agreement. Shift work and extensive travel may be required during training.