Freight Car Repairer - Columbia, SC

About the role

Norfolk Southern is seeking candidates for the Freight Car Repairer Trainee position. This hands‑on, field‑based role prepares individuals for a career in mechanical maintenance of rolling stock through structured classroom instruction and on‑the‑job training. Trainees learn to inspect, repair, and maintain railcars to ensure safe and efficient operations across the network.

Training

The program combines classroom and field instruction over approximately seven weeks (one week safety orientation plus six weeks craft training). Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.

• Classroom Training: Mechanical safety orientation and craft‑specific training in welding and fabrication.
• Field Training: Hands‑on experience in car repair shops and yards.

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) in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions.
• Operate forklifts, cranes, and car‑moving equipment.
• Operate various vehicles and obtain a CDL for operation of locomotive service trucks as required.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.
• Pass background screening and post‑offer medical examinations, including drug tests.

Preferred

• One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
• Mechanical experience or car‑man apprenticeship.
• Veterans and transitioning service members (e.g., MOS 2141, 91B, 91H, heavy‑equipment mechanics) are 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 Work Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 lb.
• Maintain alertness while working around heavy, moving equipment.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Meet FRA medical requirements: visual acuity at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses); hearing loss no greater than 40 dB average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz (can be met with a hearing aid).
• Work in shop and outdoor environments.
• Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Union membership required; seniority‑based union position with required shift availability.
• Extensive travel for training may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay progression

• First 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)

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.
• 401(k) eligibility from day one.
• Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. The company operates a customer‑centric, operations‑driven freight transportation network and is committed to sustainability, helping customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Norfolk Southern moves more than 7 million carloads annually, serving agriculture, consumer goods, auto products, and metals, and operates the largest intermodal network in the eastern United States, connecting to major Atlantic ports, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes.