Operator Mechanic I (Shortlines)

Sperry Rail, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Sperry Rail, Inc. is seeking an Operator Mechanic I (Shortlines) in Washington, DC, to operate a detector car, perform inspections, and support maintenance of rail testing equipment.

This heavy travel role requires living on a locomotive during assignments and offers significant field work across rail lines. Responsibilities include operating the detector car, collecting data, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety standards while coordinating with crew and rail personnel.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass DOT physical, drug screening, and criminal background check (per applicable laws).
• Extended travel assignments requiring living/working on a locomotive.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Physically demanding role requiring mobility, lifting, bending, crawling, and repetitive movement.
• Extensive travel opportunities.
• Hands‑on technical experience.
• Career growth within a global organization.
• Pay: $23.00 per hour.
• Travel expenses paid for by Sperry

Responsibilities

• Operate a detector car/rail test vehicle and assist crew with measurements and data collection.
• Enter and exit rail vehicles via steps/ladders multiple times per shift (hundreds of steps daily).
• Deploy and operate rail testing equipment along track systems.
• Monitor vehicle, track conditions, and test data for accuracy and functionality.
• Follow all customer‑specific operating procedures and guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with crew members via verbal, radio, and intercom systems.
• Receive and relay instructions, safety updates, and track conditions.
• Identify and announce rail obstructions and traffic patterns.
• Respond to critical audible alarms and safety systems during operations.
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicle systems, including engine, generator, body, and detector carriage.
• Complete cleaning of interior and exterior vehicle components.
• Perform mechanical maintenance (oil, antifreeze, filters, etc.).
• Work in confined spaces, including crawling under vehicles with clearance as low as 18 inches.
• Assist maintenance teams with repairs and troubleshooting.
• Conduct routine inspections and report deficiencies to the Chief Operator.
• Support preventative maintenance schedules and DOT compliance inspections.
• Maintain proper inventory levels and ensure equipment readiness for scheduled test cycles.
• Keep the detector car clean, organized, and fully operational.
• Maintain professional and cooperative relationships with railroad personnel.
• Report all customer concerns or complaints to leadership promptly and in detail.
• Enter required operational data into the DCS reporting system accurately and on time.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Mechanical aptitude

Physical stamina

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Rail testing equipment

Job description

Operator Mechanic I (Shortlines)

Sperry Rail, Inc. Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About this position

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader.

For nearly a century, we have repeatedly modernized and improved rail diagnostics through our relentless pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever-improving suite of products and service offerings.

Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork, we are driven by the challenge and bridging concepts with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry imprints themselves into our brand and further galvanizes a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome!

We are agile and hungry and invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. Fast-paced, high-touch with a distinct sense of purpose. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for railway networks worldwide. With over 95 years of industry leadership, Sperry continues to advance rail safety through innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Position Summary

This is a HEAVY travel position requiring employees to live and work on a locomotive during assignments.

Eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus after 60 days of employment

This role is responsible for operating a rail detector car, performing inspections, and supporting the maintenance and repair of specialized rail testing equipment. The position requires extensive field travel and hands‑on mechanical and operational work in a demanding rail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Operate a detector car/rail test vehicle and assist crew with measurements and data collection
• Enter and exit rail vehicles via steps/ladders multiple times per shift (hundreds of steps daily)
• Deploy and operate rail testing equipment along track systems
• Monitor vehicle, track conditions, and test data for accuracy and functionality
• Follow all customer‑specific operating procedures and guidelines

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate clearly and effectively with crew members via verbal, radio, and intercom systems
• Receive and relay instructions, safety updates, and track conditions
• Identify and announce rail obstructions and traffic patterns
• Respond to critical audible alarms and safety systems during operations

Maintenance & Equipment Care

• Perform routine maintenance on vehicle systems, including engine, generator, body, and detector carriage
• Complete cleaning of interior and exterior vehicle components
• Perform mechanical maintenance (oil, antifreeze, filters, etc.)
• Work in confined spaces, including crawling under vehicles with clearance as low as 18 inches
• Assist maintenance teams with repairs and troubleshooting
• Conduct routine inspections and report deficiencies to the Chief Operator
• Support preventative maintenance schedules and DOT compliance inspections
• Maintain proper inventory levels and ensure equipment readiness for scheduled test cycles
• Keep the detector car clean, organized, and fully operational

Customer & Reporting

• Maintain professional and cooperative relationships with railroad personnel
• Report all customer concerns or complaints to leadership promptly and in detail
• Enter required operational data into the DCS reporting system accurately and on time

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to pass DOT physical, drug screening, and criminal background check (per applicable laws)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and work in a safety-sensitive environment
• Extended travel assignments requiring living/working on a locomotive
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Physically demanding role requiring mobility, lifting, bending, crawling, and repetitive movement
• Extensive travel opportunities
• Hands‑on technical experience
• Career growth within a global organization
• Pay: $23.00 per hour
• Travel expenses paid for by Sperry