Rail Car Mechanic Apprentice

CPKC; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension/retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Rail Car Mechanic in Kansas City, Missouri, to maintain freight car equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and address urgent repairs in a high-production setting. You will train via a 4‑week welding course tailored for railroad work and contribute to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The job offers a union, full-time schedule, and outdoor, hands-on duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years' experience around heavy equipment.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Must pass written examinations and read safety instructions in English.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs and maintenance on freight car equipment to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards.
• Execute preventative maintenance on trucks, under-frames, structural elements, safety appliances, brake systems, and draft systems.
• Respond to urgent repair needs including road work and supplementary service operations to keep rail operations running smoothly.
• Use welding, torch cutting and power tools to complete complex repairs on rail cars in diverse environments.

Skills

Strong communication

Safety awareness

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Posting Start Date: 10/6/26

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’ll play a key role in keeping freight moving safely and efficiently. Working in a high-production environment, you will perform both preventative and corrective maintenance on rail cars in compliance with regulatory standards. To set you up for success, you’ll receive hands‑on training and a specialized 4‑week welding course designed for the railroad industry. This role is ideal for individuals who are mechanically inclined, enjoy problem‑solving, and thrive working outdoors in a dynamic team setting.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Perform expert repairs and maintenance on freight car equipment, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards
• Execute preventative maintenance and inspections on critical components including trucks, under‑frame, structural elements, safety appliances, brake systems, and draft systems, while conducting all required tests
• Respond to urgent repair needs by handling rush repairs, road work, and supplementary service operations to keep rail operations running smoothly
• Utilize advanced tools and techniques such as welding, torch cutting, and power tools to complete complex repairs, working in diverse environments around, under, between, on top, and inside 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: 106564
• Department: Mechanical Car
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 0-10%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $28.07
• Job Available to: Internal & External