Apprentice Freight Car Repair - Melrose Park, IL

About the role

Join our team at one of North America's leading railroad companies and embark on a comprehensive three-year training program to become a skilled Freight Car Repairer!

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages resulting from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including conducting initial terminal air brake tests and pre-trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, involving tasks such as fabricating, cutting, or performing rough finish operations on metal and wood replacement parts.
• Fasten or assemble car parts through riveting, bolting, or welding.
• Remove and replace faulty components, such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and ensuring proper readiness.
• Operate various tools and equipment safely and effectively, such as acetylene torches, non-power hand tools, power tools, electric and gas welding equipment, and other shop machines, vehicles, and tools.
• Communicate technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information verbally and in writing to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and skillfully resolve any arising situations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

Qualifications

• Required: Basic mathematic skills, valid driver's license, proficient verbal and written communication skills, experience reading and understanding instructions, and experience working in an environment that necessitates the use of personal protective equipment.
• PREFERRED: Proficient in operating heavy equipment, welding or welding certificate, proficiency in repairing freight/passenger cars, flexibility to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and potentially 7 days a week, willingness and capability to work in confined and/or small spaces, ability to work safely around large equipment, and ability to work at elevated heights of 18 feet or above.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: The ability to remain standing for more than half of the workday, with occasional opportunities to change positions for comfort.
• Walking and Balance: Being capable of frequent walking and maintaining balance on various surfaces.
• Lifting and Push/Pull: The capacity to push and pull objects weighing up to 93 lbs and lift items weighing up to 85 lbs. Additionally, candidates should be able to occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel as necessary.
• Climbing: Occasional climbing is required to access cars and work vehicles.

What We Offer

• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs