Freight Car Repairer (Roanoke, VA) 2026

Norfolk Southern; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Union benefits

Paid training travel

Job summary

Norfolk Southern is seeking a Freight Car Repairer in Roanoke, VA for railcar repair, inspection, and maintenance under federal and AAR regulations. Join a mechanical team dedicated to safety and reliability.

Responsibilities include safety compliance, component inspection, data recording, welding, equipment operation, and repairing or replacing components; must pass drug tests and background check; union position with training travel to McDonough, GA.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Mechanical experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad safety and operations rules.
• Inspect car components for AAR and FRA standards.
• Operate cutting torch and welding in SMAW/FCAW positions.
• Use equipment to rerail cars and perform wreck service tasks.
• Repair or replace wheels, brakes, couplers and related parts.
• Record repair data and manage paperwork in systems.

Skills

Welding

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Clear instructions

Oral and written communication

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Carman apprenticeship

Tools

CDL (preferred)

Job description

Requisition 40255: Freight Car Repairer (Roanoke, VA) 2026

Please note, applying for a position outside of your department will require a departmental release.

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

The Mechanical team at Norfolk Southern is crucial to the maintenance and reliability of our rolling stock and equipment. We focus on the inspection, repair, and improvement of locomotives and freight cars, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently across our network. Our team employs advanced technologies and best practices to optimize performance and minimize downtime while adhering to stringent safety regulations. Collaborating closely with other departments, we strive to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's strategic objectives. Join us in driving the future of rail transportation through exceptional mechanical expertise and innovation!

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

Pay Rates for Mechanical Craft: Noted Below:

• 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)

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.