Heavy Repairs Mechanic

Rail Management Services; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full benefits package

Long-term career stability

Job summary

A leading transportation company in Kansas City is seeking a Heavy Repairs Mechanic. This full-time position offers a secure, recession-proof career where you'll apply your mechanical skills to maintain heavy railcars. Responsibilities include restoring critical components, mastering air brake systems, and performing precision welding. Candidates should have solid experience in railcar repairs and be certified welders. The role comes with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of solid experience in heavy railcar mechanical or structural repairs.
• Certified (or certifiable) welder in SMAW/FCAW/GMAW.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain site credentials.

Responsibilities

• Restore and reinforce structural components of railcars.
• Inspect, service, and replace couplers and draft gear.
• Repair and rebuild truck assemblies and wheelsets.
• Service air brake components and run brake tests.
• Follow safety protocols and document work accurately.

Skills

Mechanical repairs

Welding (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW)

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Knowledge of draft and brake systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Overview

Heavy Repairs Mechanic – PRS Auto Terminal (Kansas City, MO)

Full-Time
Recession-Proof
Secure Career at the Norfolk Southern Kansas City Facility

Ready to put your mechanical skills to work on some of the biggest, toughest machines on rails? Join a powerhouse team that's essential to America's transportation backbone—keeping thousands of railcars hauling freight and vehicles across the country safe, reliable, and rolling strong.

This isn’t just a job—it's a chance to master high-level structural and mechanical repairs on auto-rack and freight railcars, dive deep into underframe, draft systems, running gear, and air brakes, and become the go-to expert who ensures these giants stay in top shape. No above-deck prep here—just pure, hands-on heavy repairs that demand precision, skill, and pride in every weld and replacement.

What You'll Tackle

• Restore and reinforce critical structural components: center sills, bolsters, cross bearers, and end-of-car setups—bringing battered railcars back to battle-ready condition.
• Master the heart of railcar connectivity: inspect, service, and replace couplers, yokes, draft gear, and cushioning units that keep trains linked and moving smoothly.
• Get hands-on with the rolling foundation: troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild truck assemblies, wheelsets, side frames, bolsters, and bearings for flawless performance.
• Become an air brake specialist: service components and run full brake tests to meet the highest safety standards.
• Flex your welding expertise daily using SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW—following precise procedures to deliver strong, code-compliant repairs.
• Stay sharp and safe: adhere to FRA, AAR, and site protocols (including Blue Flag protection) while documenting your work like a pro with accurate work orders and AAR job codes.

Who We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent (technical training is a big plus!).
• 3+ years of solid experience in heavy railcar mechanical or structural repairs—you've already proven you can handle the tough stuff.
• Deep knowledge of draft systems, running gear, and air brake systems (the more you know, the more you'll shine).
• Comfort reading repair standards/blueprints and using precision measuring tools.
• Certified (or certifiable) welder in SMAW/FCAW/GMAW—your welds are rock-solid.
• Solid understanding of FRA Parts 215, 218, 232 and AAR Interchange Rules.
• Valid Driver’s License + ability to obtain and maintain required site credentials.
• Drug test and Background check.

Why This Opportunity Rocks

• Competitive pay that rewards your expertise and experience.
• Full benefits package to support you and your family.
• Long-term career stability in a major railroad terminal—recession-proof work that's always in demand.
• Join a tight-knit, dedicated team that lives by safety first and quality always—where your skills are respected and your contributions make a real difference every single day.
• Work in the heart of the action at a key Norfolk Southern facility, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scale of American railroading.

You will be an employee of PRS Auto and will not be considered an employee of NS Railroad.