Railcar Repair Technician Needed

Compass Rail Services LLC; Northumberland (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Vacation and Holiday Pay

401K on Day 1

Bonus Program

Job summary

Compass Rail Services LLC is seeking a Railcar Repair Technician to inspect freight railcars and perform minor repairs while in service or during short dwell times. The role requires reading repair orders, maintaining safety standards, and documenting inspections per FRA/AAR regulations.

We offer a full-time position with hourly pay ranging from $22.00 to $34.00. Training may require up to three weeks offsite in Hamlet, NC; candidate must be able to travel as needed and work under safety

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• 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 defects, damage, or wear.
• Execute minor running repairs and replacements as needed.
• Identify and document defects per FRA and AAR rules and assess serviceability.
• Complete inspection and repair documentation and defect tags.
• Operate tools and equipment such as impact wrenches, jacks, grinders, and torches.
• Coordinate car movements and repair access with yardmasters and dispatchers.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and ensure tools are in proper condition.
• Follow all safety rules, procedures, and PPE/Lockout-Tagout requirements.

Skills

Mechanical railcar repair

Railcar inspection

FRA/AAR regulatory knowledge

Reading work orders/manuals

Attention to detail

Communication & teamwork

Safety training compliance

Regulatory compliance awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power tools operation

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 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.

Pay Range:

Full Time - $22.00 to $34.00 an hour

May be required to complete up to three weeks of offsite training in Hamlet, North Carolina, to ensure proficiency in railcar repair procedures and company standards.

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.
• 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, and Vision Benefits
• Vacation and Holiday Pay
• 401K on Day 1
• Bonus Program based on Efficiencies, Quality, Safety, and Customer Satisfaction