Freight Car Repairer - Greensboro, NC
About the role
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical maintenance and contribute to the reliability of our rolling stock, we invite you to explore the Freight Car Repairer Trainee 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. Training includes both classroom and field instruction: classroom training covers mechanical safety orientation and craft-specific training in welding and fabrication; field training provides hands-on experience in car repair shops and yards. The program lasts approximately 7 weeks (1 week safety orientation + 6 weeks craft training), with lodging provided and travel reimbursed per union agreement.
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).