Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)

CN; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CN is seeking a Car Mechanic Apprentice to inspect, maintain, build and repair railway freight cars in accordance with federal and CN regulations. The incumbent begins as a Car Mechanic Apprentice until qualifying as a Journey Car Mechanic.

You will inspect cars and components, perform maintenance and repairs on rail cars and related systems, and use a range of tools and equipment. The role may include outdoor work and overtime where necessary.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Welding experience is asset.

Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, FRA regulations and CN standards.
• Perform maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and tests.
• Repair and install car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments.
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment.
• Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports per procedures.

Skills

Welding experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electrical tools

Measuring instruments

Job description

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, building and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with federal and CN regulations. The incumbent is considered a Car Mechanic Apprentice until they qualify as a Journey Car Mechanic (refer to the training description below).

Main Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards
• Perform all scheduled, on-request and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and any associated tests
• Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment
• Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures

Working Conditions

• Available to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime when necessary
• Partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and occasionally up to 85 pounds (39 kg)
• Frequent climbing or balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination
• May be required to work away from their assigned terminal
• Respirator use is required for certain tasks, with periodic audiometric testing and respirator fit testing conducted as needed

Experience

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience an asset*

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Valid driver's licence

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Must be 18 years of age
• The incumbent must meet all medical fitness-for-duty and safety requirements for the role
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and stress
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
• Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Vocational and technical training and knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
• Basic computer skills

Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory).

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent receives on-the-job training, including theoretical and practical instruction, over a period of 3 weeks at 40 hours per week. Depending on the incumbent's level of experience, a 4-year CN-specific apprenticeship program may be required, and the incumbent will attend a series of courses at their work location in Canada. The training includes rail car components, rail car inspection, single-car tests, special commodities Level 2, freight car repairs, jacking procedures, railway welding, aerial lifts, yard operating rules, and other topics relevant to the role. Successful completion of this training is essential for the future performance of the role's duties.This role is unionized. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.