Railcar Mechanic

American Electric Power; Metropolis (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Railcar Mechanic to inspect, repair, overhaul and reassemble rail freight cars in accordance with AAR-FRA rules and guidelines. The role includes welding, machining, and reading complex drawings, while coordinating the work of others to ensure safe, efficient operations.

The position emphasizes hands-on maintenance, adherence to safety standards, and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and/or GED equivalency.
• Two years of welding and cutting experience; thorough knowledge of equipment, clearance procedures; rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to rail car maintenance work.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, dismantle, diagnose trouble, overhaul, reassemble and install mechanical equipment per AAR-FRA rules.
• Operate and use AAR gauges to ensure repairs meet guidelines.
• Perform welding (oxyacetylene and electric arc) and operate related equipment.
• Read and interpret complex drawings and specifications; follow safety practices.
• Lead and instruct other employees as assigned; communicate effectively with team.

Skills

Welding

Read drawings

Safety practices

Team leadership

Car maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welding certificate/degree

Tools

AAR gauges

Calibration instruments

Portable machining equipment

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-03-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

The Railcar Mechanic will inspect, dismantle, diagnose trouble, overhaul, reassemble and install mechanical equipment, operate machine shop equipment, perform electric arc and oxyacetylene welding, operate necessary mobile equipment for dismantling and reassembling railcars, coordinate the work of others.

Job Description

What you'll do:

• Perform all phases of railcar inspection, repair, service and reconditioning of rail freight cars to AAR-FRA rules and guidelines.
• Operate and/or make use of AAR gauges to assure all repairs meet the AAR-FRA guidelines, rules and laws.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform repairs on freight cars.
• Diagnose trouble and maintain and repair mechanical equipment related to the operation of the car repair operation.
• Operate portable machining equipment.
• Perform work in connection with oxyacetylene and electric arc all position qualified welding.
• Obtain clearance order and determine that equipment to be worked on has been properly cleared and tagged.
• Erect and remove rigging and blocking.
• Assist employees of equal or higher classification.
• Take notes and keep records as directed.
• Carry out and perform assignments in first aid.
• Climb ladder or scaffold to a height of 12 feet.
• Lift, carry and position material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain equipment, tools, and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Perform all duties in accordance with operating instructions, safety regulations, and current practices.
• Report irregularities and abnormal conditions to a supervisor.
• Write job orders as necessary.
• Instruct and direct other employees assigned to assist in the work.
• Communicate and comprehend instructions effectively in order to follow direction from supervisors and also give instructions to co-workers involved in specific tasks.
• Operate automotive equipment as assigned.
• Assist in the training of other employees.
• Communicate information effectively to other employees including but not limited to the use of radio systems, phones, work-order system, and job related check sheets and forms.
• Work effectively with other employees.
• Learn the rules, safety practices, and procedures applicable to the work.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• High school diploma and/or GED equivalency.
• Two years of welding and cutting experience; thorough knowledge of equipment, clearance procedures; rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to rail car maintenance work.

This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Building Tech and Other Technician-Related Roles Virtual Job Tryout. This assessment is completed online, is untimed, and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please refer to the Employment Test Prep section of our website https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/

• ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY INVITED TO ASSESSMENT.
• Employees currently in the line of progression will not be required to take the assessment and can disregard the request.

Other Requirements:

• Welding and Cutting Certificate / Degree from an accredited college or equivalent related experience for electric arc welding and oxyacetylene preferred.
• Ability to learn to make and read complex drawings and sketches.
• Must have thorough working knowledge of equipment, clearance procedure, rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to rail car maintenance work.
• Must have the ability and skill to read, interpret, and work from complex prints and specifications.
• Must demonstrate the skill and ability in all phases of diagnosing, working and repairing rail cars, arc welding, etc.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of AAR-FRA rules and guidelines concerning inspection, repairs, use of AAR gauges and calibration instruments.

What you'll get:

• In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

#AEP

Compensation Grade

U046-651

Compensation Range

$39.96 - $39.96

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.