Rail Car Mechanic

CPKC; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plan

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC in Mossville, Louisiana, is hiring a Rail Car Mechanic to join a fast-paced, safety‑driven maintenance team. You will perform preventive and corrective maintenance on freight cars, with hands-on welding training provided as part of our four-week program.

The role requires at least two years of heavy equipment experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 2 years’ experience with heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred.
• Willing to work nights, weekends, holidays in all weather.
• Ability to read and understand safety instructions in English.
• Commitment to safety and ability to follow rules.
• Strong communication skills to give clear instructions.

Responsibilities

• Repair, maintain and inspect freight car equipment safely.
• Perform preventive maintenance on trucks, under-frame, structure, safety devices, braking and tests.
• Handle rush repairs, road work and supplementary service operations.
• Weld, torch cut and use hand tools around rail cars.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Safety-conscious

Strong communication

English reading/writing

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL preferred

Tools

Welding tools

Job description

Posting Start Date: 11/3/26

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As a Rail Car Mechanic, you will be part of a skilled team working in a fast‑paced, high‑production environment, performing both preventive and corrective maintenance on rail cars in accordance with regulatory standards. You will receive hands‑on training, including a four‑week welding course specifically designed for the railroad industry, to support your long‑term success and development in the role.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Repair, maintain and inspect freight car equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• Perform all preventative maintenance work and repairs on trucks, under‑frame, structure, safety appliances, braking systems, draft systems and any associated tests
• Perform all work associated with rush repairs, road work and supplementary service operation of equipment
• Weld, torch cutting and using all hand power tools to make repairs while working all around, under, between, on top and inside of rail cars

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working on or around heavy equipment
• Valid driver’s license
• Commercial driver’s license preferred
• Available to work all types of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Ability to pass the required written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, rules, regulations and other written or printed material in English
• Dedication to safety and ability to complete work within guidelines/rules
• Strong communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions)

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy
• Part‑time studies program

PRE‑EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety sensitive position and a successful pre‑employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

CULTURE OF INCLUSION

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

• Req ID: 106653
• Department: Mechanical Car
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Mossville, Louisiana
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $28.06
• Job Available to: Internal & External