Freight Car Repairer - Charlotte, NC 2026

About the role

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in freight car maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across our network.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and maintain freight cars in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations.
• Perform welding and cutting operations (SMAW and FCAW processes in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions).
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car-moving equipment.
• Operate various vehicles and may be required to obtain a CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
• Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as grab irons, ladders, and sill steps.
• Remove and replace defective components including wheels, couplers, brake equipment, air brake valves, yokes, and draft gears.
• Rerail cars and locomotives using rerailing equipment.
• Complete and enter information in computer systems regarding car components, destination, lading, repair records, bad orders, and car releases.
• Work safely to prevent accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment (hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots).
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2141, 91B, 91H and heavy equipment mechanics are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
• One or more years of mechanical experience or Carman apprenticeship.
• Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply.

Skills and Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to understand oral and written communication and provide clear instructions.
• Physical and mental job requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to meet FRA medical requirements: Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses). Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).

Benefits

• Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
• Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
• Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.

Pay and Schedule

• Pay Progression: 1st 40 Working Days: $21.26 (50% of Full rate) Next 204 Working Days: $31.89 (75% of Full rate) Next 244 Working Days: $34.01 (80% of Full rate) After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $42.52 (100% of Full Rate)
• Compensation Data: Benefits Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependentsUnion BenefitsMedical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)$20K Life Insurance401 (K) First Day of EmploymentAfter 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision Rate of Pay 1st 40 Working Days: $20.44 (50% of Full rate) Next 204 Working Days: $30.66 (75% of Full rate)Next 244 Working Days: $32.70 (80% of Full rate)After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $40.88 (100% of Full Rate)

Training

• Training Includes Both Classroom And Field Instruction:
• Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation and craft-specific training in welding and fabrication.
• Field Training: Hands-on experience in car repair shops and yards.

Additional Information

• Physical Requirements: Heavy work, lifting to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Work Conditions: Shop and outdoor environments. Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Union membership required. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
• Travel for paid training to McDonough, GA.