Welder Helper - Maintenance of Way

Rio Grande Pacific Transit Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Grande Pacific Transit Group is seeking a Welder Helper to assist with railroad track welding, repair, and maintenance tasks. This hands-on role supports experienced welders and Maintenance of Way crews to prepare rails, move tools and materials, and maintain a safe work environment on active railroad sites.

The position requires physical labor and outdoor work in varying weather. It involves using hand and power tools, following safety rules, and adapting to overtime or night shifts as

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work (lifting, bending, standing).
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely use basic hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely around railroad tracks and equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Railroad, Maintenance of Way, construction, or welding experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist welders with rail welding, cutting, grinding, and repair activities.
• Prepare rail, track components, tools, and materials for welding work.
• Assist with repairs and replacement of rail, frogs, switches, and other track components.
• Operate hand and power tools as trained and authorized.
• Load, unload, carry, and organize tools, materials, and equipment.
• Perform grinding, cleaning, and general preparation of work areas and rail components.
• Assist with general track maintenance and construction activities as needed.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized condition.
• Follow railroad, company, and job-site safety requirements.
• Perform other Maintenance of Way duties as assigned.
• Report any concerns that cannot be resolved onsite and may require additional assistance.

Job description

Rio Grande Pacific Transit Group, a Rio Grande Pacific Corporation company, delivers rail operations, maintenance, and infrastructure services for passenger rail and transit systems. Backed by decades of railroad experience, our teams bring practical field knowledge, responsive service, and a strong commitment to safety and reliability.From Maintenance of Way and rail operations to specialized support services, Rio Grande Pacific Transit Group works alongside transit agencies to keep critical rail systems operating safely and efficiently. Our employees are part of a growing organization with opportunities to build long-term careers while supporting essential transportation infrastructure.

Job Summary

The Welder Helper assists with railroad track welding, repair, and maintenance activities. This hands-on position works alongside experienced welders and Maintenance of Way crews to prepare rail and materials, operate hand and power tools, move equipment, clean and grind work areas, and assist with track repairs. The position requires physical labor and outdoor work in an active railroad environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist welders with rail welding, cutting, grinding, and repair activities.
• Prepare rail, track components, tools, and materials for welding work.
• Assist with repairs and replacement of rail, frogs, switches, and other track components.
• Operate hand and power tools as trained and authorized.
• Load, unload, carry, and organize tools, materials, and equipment.
• Perform grinding, cleaning, and general preparation of work areas and rail components.
• Assist with general track maintenance and construction activities as needed.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized condition.
• Follow railroad, company, and job-site safety requirements.
• Perform other Maintenance of Way duties as assigned.
• Report any concerns that cannot be resolved onsite and may require additional assistance.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely use basic hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely around railroad tracks and equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Railroad, Maintenance of Way, construction, or welding experience preferred but not required.