Freight Car Repairer Trainee: Welding & Maintenance

Norfolk Southern Corporation; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 29,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) eligibility

Life insurance

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation is seeking a Freight Car Repairer Trainee to begin a hands-on, field-based career in freight car maintenance. The role combines classroom and on‑the‑job training to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars across the network, with extensive travel for training and union-driven progression.

The program runs through structured training with lodging provided and travel reimbursed per union agreement, and involves shifts across days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

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 railroad safety and operations rules and regulations.
• Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW).
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
• Possibly obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
• Fabricate and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
• Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, and draft gears.
• Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
• Enter repair records and car data into computer systems.
• Wear protective equipment and complete safety training and examinations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Norfolk Southern Corporation is seeking a Freight Car Repairer Trainee to begin a hands-on, field-based career in freight car maintenance. The role combines classroom and on‑the‑job training to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars across the network, with extensive travel for training and union-driven progression.

The program runs through structured training with lodging provided and travel reimbursed per union agreement, and involves shifts across days, nights, weekends, and holidays.