Freight Car Repairer (Roanoke, VA) 2026

About the role

The Mechanical team at Norfolk Southern is crucial to the maintenance and reliability of our rolling stock and equipment. We focus on the inspection, repair, and improvement of locomotives and freight cars, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently across our network. Our team employs advanced technologies and best practices to optimize performance and minimize downtime while adhering to stringent safety regulations. Collaborating closely with other departments, we strive to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's strategic objectives. Join us in driving the future of rail transportation through exceptional mechanical expertise and innovation!

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations
• Inspect car components for compliance with AAR and FRA standards
• Obtain information from computer regarding car components, destination, lading, and repair records and/or to file data such as repair information, bad orders, and car releases
• Able to proficiently use cutting torch in all positions
• Must qualify in SMAW and FCAW welding processes that include 2F, 3F and 4F positions
• Operate forklifts, light cranes, and car moving equipment
• Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck
• Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad
• Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as: grab irons, handholds, ladders, ladder brackets, and sill steps
• Repair, remove, or replace defective components such as wheels, safety appliances, truck and brake equipment, couplers, yokes, draft gears, and air brake valves, weld broken parts or secure new parts

Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass all required assessments
• Must pass a background screening
• This position is governed by a union agreement and membership is required
• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test
• Heavy work, lifting to 50 pounds occasionally
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
• Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor on an occasional basis

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Mechanical experience

Skills

• Understand oral and written communication
• Problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Provide clear instructions and directions
• Mechanical aptitude

Pay

• Freight Car Repairer 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)

Schedule

• Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority.
• The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.

Benefits

• Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
• 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
• Union Benefits
• Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
• $20K Life Insurance
• 401(K) First Day of Employment
• After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision