Freight Car Repairer Trainee — Hands-On Training & Union Role

Norfolk Southern; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starts after 2 months

Health insurance

401(k) eligibility from day one

Dental and vision after one year

Job summary

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

Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars across the network, with shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Training spans about 7 weeks, lodging is provided, and travel is reimbursed per union agreement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Must pass background screening and post-offer medical examinations, including drug tests.

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 (hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots).
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Clear instruction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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

Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars across the network, with shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Training spans about 7 weeks, lodging is provided, and travel is reimbursed per union agreement.