Quality Assurance Inspector

Union Tank Car Company - UTLX; Marion (OH); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UTLX, part of Marmon Holdings backed by Berkshire Hathaway, seeks an Inspector to perform in-process and NDT inspections of railcars, ensure regulatory compliance, and document activities. The role has authority to stop work and requires coordinating with railroads and internal teams to resolve findings.

Responsibilities include inspecting railcars, maintaining records, identifying nonconformances, and supporting quality initiatives in a challenging industrial environment with exposure to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of related work experience in railcar repair or manufacturing.
• Ability to gain NDT Visual Testing (VT) Level II Certification per standards (AAR M1002, ASNT, ISO).
• On‑site work arrangement: 5 days per week, with ability to work any shift and overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Performs visual, dimensional, mechanical, and regulatory inspections of railcars and components throughout all stages of repair and qualification.
• Identifies nonconforming conditions and reports them via forms, checklists, and the nonconformance system.
• Maintains complete inspection records and ensures final car files are compliant and ready for release.
• Reviews shop-floor documentation for completeness and regulatory compliance.
• Identifies repairs and assigns responsibility per policies and pricing matrices.
• Conducts audits to ensure production aligns with standards and requirements.
• Coordinates with production to plan shipments and ensures timely inspections.
• Verifies cars are secured, marked, closed, and ready for interchange.
• Interacts with railroads, lessees, and inspectors to resolve findings and expedite repair.
• Provides function-specific training and supports quality initiatives.
• Performs QA admin tasks such as audits, document control, and corrective actions.

Skills

Technical communication

Regulatory knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

AAR inspection tools

NDT equipment

Job description

UTLX

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

The Inspector is responsible for conducting thorough in‑process & NDT of railcars as required; researching and identifying required repairs; and ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant with U.S. and Canadian regulations, AAR Interchange/MSRP standards, DOT/TC requirements, and company procedures. The incumbent ensures all maintenance, qualification, and inspection activities are completed in accordance with governing regulations, identifies nonconformances, and ensures cars are properly approved and released. This role carries full authority to stop work on railcars or components pending issue resolution.

Primary responsibilities and/or essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Performs visual, dimensional, mechanical, and regulatory inspections of railcars and components throughout all stages of the repair and qualification process.
• Ensures that all identified nonconforming conditions are reported through the appropriate forms, checklists, and nonconformance reporting system.
• Maintains complete and accurate inspection records and ensures the final car file is compliant and ready for release.
• Reviews shop-floor documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Identifies repairs and assigns responsibility based on company policies, pricing matrices, and RBU profitability guidelines.
• Conducts audits to ensure production activities align with applicable standards and requirements.
• Works with production to plan shipments and ensure inspections are completed in a timely manner.
• Verify cars are properly secured, marked, closed, and identified prior to release for interchange.
• Interfaces with railroads, lessees, outside inspectors, and internal departments to resolve inspection findings and expedite the repair process.
• Conduct function specific training with employees
• Perform quality assurance administrative functions as needed including but not limited to: audit participation, document control, measuring and test equipment, root cause corrective action, etc.
• Identifies potential claims such as corrosion or loading‑rack damage and follows through to resolution.
• Participates in and supports quality initiatives and Responsible Care activities.
• Uses judgment and discretion inspection and documentation activities, escalating only unusual or unprecedented issues.

Skills/Specifications

• Ability to communicate technical information verbally and in writing.
• Proficient with applicable electronic systems.
• Working knowledge of AAR and FRA regulations, Fleet Repair Standards, and company procedures.
• General mechanical aptitude and ability to use industry gauges (including AAR Rule 1 gages), test equipment, weld inspection tools, and dimensional inspection tools.
• Ability to interpret standards, drawings, regulations, repair instructions, and specifications.
• Near visual acuity correctable to a J2 on a McKesson Jaeger Eye Chart
• Stamina to work across large shop areas and recognize danger signals to ensure safety.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 3-5 years of related work experience in railcar repair or manufacturing.
• Ability to gain NDT Visual Testing (VT) Level II Certification per the requirements AAR M1002 Appendix T, ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ASNT CP-189, ASNT-9712 or ISO-9712.
• On‑site work arrangement: 5 days per week, with the ability and availability to work any shift and overtime as operational needs require

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector, AMPP Coating Inspector, ASQ Certified Quality Inspector/Technician certifications.
• Knowledge of railcar components, airbrakes, welding and nondestructive testing.
• NDT Visual Testing (VT) Level II Certification

Work Environment & Schedule

• Performing duties in an industrial railcar repair environment involves regular exposure to challenging physical and environmental conditions.
• Work is frequently conducted outdoors and may require extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Employees are exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, heat, and noise associated with manufacturing and repair operations.
• The role requires moderate to heavy physical exertion, including lifting and carrying materials, climbing in and out of railcars, working at heights and in confined spaces.
• Ability to enter tank cars through 20‑inch manway openings.
• Manual dexterity and physical coordination are necessary to operate tools and safety equipment.
• Employees may experience minor cuts, bruises, or other risks typical of an industrial setting and must maintain constant awareness to safely operate equipment, particularly in confined or elevated areas.
• There is potential exposure to hazardous materials due to leaks or spills.
• Must be willing and able to work in an industrial repair environment, complying with all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols
• Vision correctable to 20/30 for inspection activities.
• On‑site work arrangement: 5 days per week, with the ability and availability to work any shift and overtime as operational needs require

Disclaimer

Please note the duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. Duties, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay Range

61,335.00 - 74,965.00

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.