RAILROAD MECHANIC

Knife River - SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Health Savings and Flexible Spending

401(k) with Company Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Time

8 Paid Holidays

Company Paid Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Years of Service Recognition

Job summary

Knife River is seeking a railroad maintenance technician to perform a full range of maintenance duties on locomotives and related equipment. Daily schedules include long shifts with one Saturday per month during production/maintenance seasons, ensuring safe operation and compliance with FRA rules.

The role requires knowledge of railroad mechanical systems, heavy equipment operation, and the ability to document maintenance activities accurately. CDL and heavy equipment familiarity are a plus.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and under time constraints.
• Knowledge of FRA regulations, safety standards, and railroad operating rules.
• Indepth knowledge of railroad mechanical systems, including locomotives, railcars, braking systems, couplers, running gear and power transmission.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and FRA regulations.
• Inspect equipment components for FRA/AAR standards.
• Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines and hydraulic systems.
• Perform emergency repairs to locomotives and railroad equipment.
• Replace locomotive components including wheels, traction motors, and gear cases.
• Perform daily servicing of railroad units: fuels, lubricants, and water.
• Conduct periodic and annual inspections under FRA guidelines.
• Operate cranes, forklifts, and other vehicles.
• Weld metals using electrical and gas welding equipment.
• Maintain written and computer maintenance records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy equipment knowledge

Job description

Great Pay! Great Benefits! Strong Teams! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our teams are the foundation of our success, and we're committed to providing the training, tools and support to do great work and go home safely at the end of each day. Join a team that looks out for one another and supports career growth from day one.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for performing all railroad maintenance.

Typical schedule is Monday - Friday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM with one Saturday per month during production season. Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM with one Saturday per month during maintenance season.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
2. Inspect equipment components for compliance with FRA, Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards.
3. Diagnoses malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, hydraulic systems other components to determine nature of problem and needed repair or replacement.
4. Perform emergency repairs to locomotives and other railroad equipment.
5. Replace locomotive and diesel engine components including but not limited to wheels or trucks, traction motors, springs, couplers, draft gear assembly, gear cases, cylinder heads, air compressors, and turbo chargers.
6. Performs daily service of railroad units: fuels, waters, lubricates and oils; wipes down and cleans unit/windows; checks supplies and drinking water.
7. Performs periodic and annual inspections and understands FRA regulations pertaining to inspections.
8. Operate light and heavy cranes, forklifts, car moving equipment, and other various vehicles.
9. Operate electrical and gas welding equipment to join a variety of metals and alloys; operate acetylene torches for cutting and/or shaping metal parts such as aluminum, cast iron, steel.
10. Maintain written and computer records for maintenance and repairs as required.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Strong organizational skills.
3. Able to work independently and under time constraints.
4. Knowledge of FRA regulations, safety standards, and railroad operating rules
5. Indepth knowledge of railroad mechanical systems, including locomotives, railcars, braking systems (air and hand brakes), couplers, running gear, and power transmission systems

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Prior diesel experience a plus.
3. Valid driver's license. CDL Class B required, Class A is desirable
4. Employee must have knowledge of heavy equipment, hand tools, and safety equipment.
5. Employee must have knowledge of EMD railroad locomotives.

BENEFITS:

1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
3. 401(k) with Company Match
4. Profit Sharing
5. Paid Time Off
6. Paid Sick Time
7. 8 Paid Holidays
8. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
9. Short-term Disability
10. Employee Assistance Program
11. Years of Service Recognition
12. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
13. Critical Illness Plan
14. Accident Coverage Plan
15. Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are submitted online. If you are having issues completing the application, please come to the office for assistance.