Railcar Repair Technician Lead

Compass Rail Services LLC; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 29,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Life insurance

Vision benefits

401K on Day 1

Bonus program

Job summary

Compass Rail Services LLC is seeking a Railcar Repair Tech Lead in Bethlehem, PA to inspect freight railcars in service or during short dwell times and perform minor repairs to ensure safe operation.

You will identify defects, perform compliant repairs, and document inspection activities in line with FRA, AAR, and company standards; a valid driver's license is required, with CDL preferred or pursued as needed.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Follow all company safety rules, procedures, and policies, including use of PPE and Lockout/Tagout when necessary.

Skills

Prior railcar repair experience

Reading and interpreting work orders

Operate hand and power tools

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Safety training compliance

Independent/teamwork capability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Find your Path and Navigate your future at Compass Rail!

At Compass Rail, 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 Repair Tech Lead 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.

Pay Range:

Full Time - $21.58 to $34.00 an hour

Key Responsibilities:

• 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


• Vacation and Holiday Pay


• 401K on Day 1


• Bonus Program based on Efficiencies, Quality, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction