Rail Car Mechanic Apprentice

Canadian Pacific Railway; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plan

Employee share plan

Fitness subsidy

Job summary

CPKC in the United States is seeking a Rail Car Mechanic to keep freight moving safely in a dynamic outdoor setting. You’ll receive hands-on training, including a 4-week welding course designed for the railroad industry.

Ideal candidates are mechanically inclined, enjoy problem solving, and thrive in a team environment, with willingness to work rotating shifts and outdoors.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience around heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to work nights, weekends and holidays in all weather.
• Must read and understand safety instructions in English.
• Committed to safety and clear communications.

Responsibilities

• Perform expert repairs and maintenance on freight car equipment, ensuring safety and compliance with standards.
• Execute preventative maintenance and inspections on trucks, under-frame, brakes, safety appliances, and drafting systems.
• Respond to urgent repairs via road work and supplementary service operations to keep rail operations running smoothly.
• Utilize welding, torch cutting, and power tools to complete complex repairs in diverse rail car environments.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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
• 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

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.

• 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).