Travel Thermite Welder / Class B CDL Driver

Build your railroad career with Central Track Services as a Lead Thermite Welder / Class B CDL Driver. This full-time traveling position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky, with 100% nationwide travel required.

About the Role

Central Track Services is hiring an experienced Lead Thermite Welder / Class B CDL Driver to support railroad maintenance and construction projects across the United States. This role is designed for a skilled thermite welder who can consistently produce quality work, safely operate commercial vehicles, and provide field leadership when needed. The company provides company-paid lodging while employees are working away from home, along with a daily per diem. Project schedules frequently offer opportunities to earn overtime.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermite welding on railroad tracks and related infrastructure
• Prepare rail and work areas before beginning the welding process
• Inspect completed welds for quality, accuracy, and serviceability
• Operate welding, cutting, grinding, and track-maintenance equipment
• Drive Class B commercial vehicles to and from assigned project locations
• Load, secure, transport, and unload tools, materials, and equipment
• Help organize daily field assignments and lead small crews when required
• Assist with rail replacement, track restoration, and track construction
• Perform material handling and general railroad maintenance duties
• Follow company, customer, FRA, and job-site safety procedures
• Communicate project progress, equipment concerns, and safety issues to management
• Maintain a professional presence while working at customer facilities

Requirements

• Demonstrated professional thermite welding experience
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License
• At least 18 years of age
• Ability and willingness to travel 100% of the time
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for completed work
• Strong understanding of railroad and job-site safety practices
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, or holidays based on project needs

Experience leading a small field crew is strongly preferred. Previous experience with railroad track maintenance, rail replacement, track construction, rail cutting, welding, or railroad equipment operation is also beneficial.

Physical Requirements

This is an active railroad field position performed outdoors in changing conditions. Employees must be comfortable working in heat, cold, rain, and other weather commonly encountered on railroad projects. The position requires:

• The ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and working from uneven surfaces
• Safely using heavy tools and railroad maintenance equipment
• Traveling for extended periods and adapting to changing project locations
• Performing physically demanding work throughout the assigned shift

Pay

Competitive pay based on thermite welding and railroad experience, with frequent overtime opportunities based on project schedules.

Benefits

• Daily per diem while traveling
• Company-paid lodging during travel assignments
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Annual steel-toe boot allowance
• Company-provided personal protective equipment
• Opportunities for advancement through a promote-from-within culture

About Central Track Services

Central Track Services provides railroad track maintenance, repair, restoration, and construction services throughout the United States. We are committed to completing every project with a strong focus on employee safety, dependable service, and quality workmanship.

Candidates from Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Georgetown, Richmond, Shelbyville, Bardstown, Danville, Elizabethtown, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, Winchester, Nicholasville, Paris, Florence, Cincinnati, Maysville, Bowling Green, Corbin, London, Huntington, Charleston, and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply.