Freight Car Repairer (Decatur, IL 2025)

Davita Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is looking for a Freight Car Repairer in Decatur, IL, to conduct inspections, repairs, and maintenance of rail cars in compliance with federal regulations. Candidates should possess mechanical experience and be willing to embrace a safety-first approach in a hands-on work environment, with opportunities for career growth and training provided during paid travel.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Training and education reimbursement

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older required.
• Mechanical experience is essential.
• Preferably have welding and fabrication experience.

Responsibilities

• Repair, inspect and maintain rail cars as per regulations.
• Operate forklifts, light cranes, and perform welding.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition 38169: Freight Car Repairer (Decatur, IL 2025)

Job Description

Work shall consist of rail car repairing, inspection, and maintenance in accordance with federal and AAR regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

-Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations

-Inspect car components for compliance with AAR and FRA standards.

-Obtain information from computer regarding car components, destination, lading, and repair records and/or to file data such as repair information, bad orders, and car releases.

-Able to proficiently use cutting torch in all positions.

-Must qualify in SMAW and FCAW welding processes that include 2F, 3F and 4F positions.

-Operate forklifts, light cranes, and car moving equipment.

-Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.

-Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad.

-Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as: grab irons, handholds, ladders, ladder brackets, and sill steps.

-Repair, remove, or replace defective components such as wheels, safety appliances, truck and brake equipment, couplers, yokes, draft gears, and air brake valves, weld broken parts or secure new parts.

Job Requirements

-Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries

-Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots

-Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations

-Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol

-Must pass all required assessments

-Must pass a background screening

-This position is governed by a union agreement and membership is required

-Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

-Heavy work, lifting to 50 pounds occasionally

-Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb

-Walk long distances over uneven terrain

-Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection

-Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor on an occasional basis

Skills and Abilities

-Understand oral and written communication

-Problem solving and troubleshooting skills

-Provide clear instructions and directions

-Mechanical aptitude

Minimum Qualifications

-18 years of age or older

-High school diploma or GED

-Mechanical experience

Preferred Qualifications

-One or more years of welding and fabrication experience

-Carman apprenticeship

-Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2141, 91B, 91H and heavy equipment mechanics are encouraged to apply.

Training

Travel for paid training to McDonough, GA. Freight Car Repairers will complete 1 week of Mechanical Safety Orientation and 6 weeks of craft specific training concerning welding and fabrication. Norfolk Southern will reimburse travel and pay for lodging as required per union agreement.

Compensation Data

Benefits

-Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)

-80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents

-Union Benefits

-Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)

-$20K Life Insurance

-401 (K) First Day of Employment

-After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Rate of Pay

1st 40 Working Days: $20.44 (50% of Full rate)

-Next 204 Working Days: $30.66 (75% of Full rate)

-Next 244 Working Days: $32.70 (80% of Full rate)

-After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $40.88 (100% of Full Rate)

Work Conditions

Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority. The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.