Railcar Repair Technician

Compass Rail Services LLC; Edenton (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

PTO & Holiday pay

401K on Day 1

Bonus program

Travel reimbursements

Job summary

Compass Rail is seeking a Railcar Running Repair Technician to inspect and perform minor repairs on freight railcars in service, ensuring FRA/AAR compliance. You will document findings, coordinate with yard staff, and operate power tools safely.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to read work orders, and teamwork, with CDL preferred or the willingness to obtain one. Benefits include health, PTO, and a 401K from day one.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in mechanical railcar repair or inspection preferred.
• Basic knowledge of FRA and AAR inspection and repair requirements.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, repair manuals, and regulatory standards.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual and manual inspections of freight railcars to detect defects.
• Execute minor running repairs such as brake shoes, rigging, safety appliances, gaskets and fittings.
• Identify defects per FRA/AAR rules and assess service status.
• Complete inspection and repair documentation and defect tags.
• Operate tools and equipment including impact wrenches and hydraulic jacks.
• Coordinate car movements with yardmasters and dispatchers.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and ensure tools are in working condition.
• Follow safety rules, PPE use, and Lockout/Tagout procedures; CDL preferred or pursued.

Skills

Railcar inspection

Mechanical repair

Tool operation

Reading work orders

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Impact wrenches

Hydraulic jacks

Grinders

Torches

Job description

Job description

Find your Path and Navigate your future at Compass Rail!

At Compass Rail/Dixie Railcar, we are dedicated to providing top-tier solutions for railcar repair and transloading. With an experienced team and a commitment to excellence, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients in the rail transportation industry.

Position Summary

The Railcar Running Repair Technician is responsible for performing inspections and making minor repairs to freight railcars while they are in service or on short dwell time. This includes identifying defects, conducting safe and efficient repairs, and ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), and company standards.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform visual and manual inspections of freight railcars to detect mechanical defects, damage, or wear.
• Execute minor running repairs such as replacing brake shoes, adjusting rigging, repairing safety appliances, and replacing gaskets or fittings.
• Identify and document car defects according to FRA and AAR rules, and determine whether railcars can safely remain in service or must be bad ordered.
• Complete all required documentation, including inspection reports, repair records, and defect tags.
• Operate tools and equipment including impact wrenches, hydraulic jacks, grinders, and torches.
• Communicate with yardmasters, dispatchers, and other railroad personnel to coordinate car movements and repair access.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure all tools and equipment are in proper working condition.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain, if applicable.
• Follow all company safety rules, procedures, and policies, including use of PPE and Lockout/Tagout when necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in mechanical railcar repair or inspection preferred.
• Basic knowledge of FRA and AAR inspection and repair requirements.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, repair manuals, and regulatory standards.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to pass all required safety and regulatory training.

Why Join Us?

• Health, Dental, Life, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• 401K on Day 1 with Company Match!
• Bonus Program based on Efficiencies, Quality, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction
• Travel reimbursements and more!